My learnings from 2022

« We live with our archetypes, but can we live in them? »

Poul Anderson

The year 2022 was extremely full! In addition to the strong geostrategic shock experienced by many clients, I faced several challenges including taking the time to organize my wedding, chairing Simacs as a PSF, the release of a collective book on the societal role of coaches, an AcroYoga performance for the 20th anniversary of the Palais de Tokyo, all while continuing my daily work supporting leaders.

As I have enjoyed doing for several years now, I want to share with you the insights and lessons I took away from 2022.

Finding meaning in my actions during difficult times was key for me.

Throughout the year, I proudly promoted our wonderful profession of coaching and supervision. My societal commitment within SIMACS, the Interprofessional Union of Coaching and Supervision Professions, was significant: I dedicated 2 to 3 hours a day to structuring the organization, establishing ethics, formalizing clear and transparent governance, and preparing the future by creating working groups and committees on topics such as:

  • The development of digital tools in coaching and the rise of platforms;

  • Strengthening awareness around CSR for coaches, supervisors, and mentors to reinforce the societal role of our work.

I cannot stand homophobia, and I am very proud to have written a case study on coaching a gay leader in a hostile environment. This case is one of those published in the collective book I contributed to: 15 Explained Coaching Cases. I regularly support leaders with unique, sometimes nonconforming personalities, and I am proud to help strengthen inclusive leadership.

Self-Ecology

My main learning this year was to accept losing some personal balance in favor of meaning. My commitment to SIMACS, coupled with increasing client demands—especially urgent and complex situations—completely disrupted my schedule. I had to stop playing ping-pong, drastically reduce sports, lunches, and quality exchanges to focus intensively on urgent coaching and complex M&A issues. Fortunately, my deeply rooted morning routines (thank you, Miracle Morning), my blended family balance, my warm circle of friends, and the fantastic Be&Lead team helped me get through this period without major difficulties.

Growing with Archetypes and Role Models

There are three ways to escape the present when it becomes too difficult: relapse into the past with "it was better before," seek elsewhere with "the grass is greener on the other side," or leap into the future with "tomorrow will be better." I found that in a rapidly changing world, projecting forward is most effective, so I confirmed two major role models who inspire me daily. The first is Clint Eastwood, who reinvented himself brilliantly with a rich second career as a director and producer. The second is Mick Jagger, who remains alert and fit despite his “bad boy” image (his father was a sports coach) and continues to inspire crowds through his artistry without truly reinventing himself.

In VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous)—or rather BANI (Brittle, Anxiety, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible)—times, investigative skills are crucial. In these situations, my two role models are Patrick Jane for his ability to seek truth using mentalist techniques (calibration, body reading…) and Inspector Columbo for his attention to detail and knack for asking “innocent” questions without ever giving up. Patrick and Columbo are my best friends and allies in helping clients clarify complex situations.

Developing Business and Reinventing Oneself

The market increasingly demands certifications. After obtaining the Omind certification in 2021, I decided to get certified in Gallup Clifton StrengthsFinder, even though I had been using this powerful tool daily for five years. I am currently renewing my supervisor certification with PSF, the federation of professional supervisors.

In recent years, my efforts focused mainly on coaching leaders—helping them develop or reinvent themselves. Today, I am moving more toward long-term support through supervision (or executive reflection) for leaders who need a sparring partner to maintain their balance between pleasure and success over time. Leaders share with coaches the need for perspective, self-reflection time, and exchanges with peers who understand them and are impartial.

In mergers or acquisitions contexts, I increasingly act as a system coach or shadow coach for buyers. I support leadership teams to integrate the complex personalities of acquired company leaders, develop a global systemic vision including personality and cultural differences, and help them succeed in integration. This is a genuinely complex area, balancing ego, cultural shifts, and financial business development stakes.

After developing soft skills and inner skills (how we care for ourselves, our thoughts, body, and energy), I am delighted to witness the rise of “mad skills,” those atypical talents allowing us to embrace who we are and our differences. As an engineer, I also enjoy the growth of rational coaching based on proven elements, powerful psychometric tools, and advances in cognitive neuroscience—which AI will accelerate further.

Thank you to the growing number of readers who provide insightful feedback on my writing and practice. Special thanks to the Simacs 2022 team and Be&Lead for their outstanding commitment, and of course to our clients for their trust during this complex period.

I wish you a 2023 full of learning, self-reflection, and above all, health, love, sharing, and joy!

With passion, your trainer, coach, and/or supervisor,
Gilles

#transformation #care #collective #leadership #executivecoaching #supervision

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