The importance of directness in your approach

Everyday my morning walk takes me through a disc golf course - not the typical golf, but the kind played with frisbees.

Almost always I see groups of men of all ages enjoying a friendly competition.

Although I have never come across them, I expect that many talented women also play this sport competitively or for leisure.

Personally, I am not remotely drawn to spending my mornings honing my skill of hitting a target.

Which is why you will find me dodging the flying frisbees to quickly get to the lake on the other side of the course.

It made me wonder about those men - does spending hours playing this kind of sport or (even a video game, for that matter) sharpen their ability to pursue their other goals, especially when the stakes are high?

Of course, I have a professional curiosity around this, rather than a need to define gender stereotypes.

As a coach working on confidence, women approach me all the time for support with what is perhaps the highest stakes conversation of them all: their annual performance review.

Some of them are playing that game like those disc golfers - with a clean, direct approach, clear about their objectives and motivation. I know straight away that they are on the right path and giving themselves the best chance to succeed.

Some others say they are ready to step into their next level, but their actions, sadly, do not reflect that.

I see a lack of directness in their approach which undermining the confidence they need to demonstrate in those all-important performance reviews.

Often they are focussed on fixing something that they believe they lack in terms of skill or experience.

Or they might be resting too much on the laurels of past achievements, not doing enough in the present to put their best foot forward to get that promotion, or not embodying who they need to be to in that future role.

Not having the right strategy is like shooting arrows all over the place, rather than at the right target.

To me, this is like taking for granted a year’s worth of your hard work and dedication.

This appraisal season I want more of you to prepare for your performance reviews with a better game plan, and therefore, a better chance of success.

I am offering one-off Appraisal Strategy Sessions to help you go into those conversations with an improved mindset around achieving your desired goal, a stronger resolve to negotiate for the things you want, and a well-crafted business case that speaks for you and your capabilities when the decision is being made.

These sessions will be available through July, but for bookings made in April, the price will be £250 if you use the promo code on the payment page: APPRAISAL

Book your Appraisal Strategy Session here.