By Neil Tepper -
Roger Federer is considered by many as the best tennis player of our time. Judging by the records he holds, the money he’s won and the respect he’s earned, no one is a better overall player than Roger Federer. And, Roger Federer has a coach.
Why would the best tennis player in the world – or any top athlete – need a coach? The answer is simple: because he can’t see his own swing. In fact, a coach in golf is called a “swing coach.”
Each of us has our own, unique swing: our talents and expertise; our physical presence; our personality; our spiritual being. Each of us brings this package of who we are to our jobs, to our relationships and to how we approach every aspect of our lives.
Yet, regardless of our strengths and accomplishments, each of us has a blind side that prevents us from seeing our own swing.
People who want to excel in life know this. That’s why personal improvement books and websites are so popular. No doubt, that’s why we’re meeting here at The Self Improvement Blog.
Corporate leaders also know this. That’s why the smartest and most determined of them gather accomplished people around them, so there is no part of the organization’s “business swing” that remains unseen.
In my role as a business and creativity coach, I work with “C” level executives and other people in leadership roles to help them improve their “swing.” This select group is serious about their work. They can often intimidate outsiders who don’t understand the rules of power.
People in such exalted positions don’t usually like to be corrected or hear the word “no.” But, these powerful, super-achievers know they need to be disagreed with and challenged.
Indeed, the strongest and brightest leaders seek diverging perspectives from people who are not afraid to “tell the truth to power.” They need – and are grateful for – the truth. As one of my clients said to me after I gave him feedback on a presentation he was going to make to the Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company, “Thank you for pushing me to be my best.”
If you want to operate at your own highest level, you need to tell the truth to powerful people. And, you need to want to hear the truth from others. Sometimes, it’s uncomfortable to do either. But as long as you hold back from it, you are not serving your superiors and colleagues – and you are impeding your own advancement to success.
Ultimately, the most important person you will ever need to tell the truth to is yourself. If you can say it – and hear it – you will be much more effective in your work life and happier in the whole of your life.
You will say to yourself or to your coach: “Thank you for pushing me to be my best.”
About: Neil:
Neil Tepper is a creativity coach, inspirational speaker, author and award-winning photographer. As “The Creativity Doctor,” Neil helps individuals and organizations to harness their right-brain creativity and put innovative ideas into action. Neil’s new book, “Prescriptions for Living a Creative Life: Simple Remedies for Common Maladies in Our 24/7 World,” offers tools to help readers solve the common challenges we all face in our fast-paced world. “Prescriptions” includes practical workbook pages in each chapter that will help you solve problems and achieve your goals. Connect with Neil at neiltepper.com and on Facebook. 
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