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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Unlocking Potential summary
Michael K. Simpson
Seven Coaching Skills That Transform Individuals, Teams & Organizations
14 mins
Brief summary
Unlocking Potential by Michael K. Simpson is a leadership book that guides us to become better leaders. It shows how to identify potential within ourselves and others and how to bring it to fruition through values-based leadership, trust, respect, and effective communication.
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Unlocking Potential
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Key idea 1 of 6
The first two coaching principles are trust and unlocking potential. You need both to succeed.
If you’re a business leader, it’s your job to maximize the potential of your team. But how do you go about it?
The answer lies in coaching.
Coaching is a unique style of leadership. It’s not just concerned with consulting and advising, but instead is about unlocking the potential of another human being.
Yep, quite a hefty task! Before you consider coaching for your team, it’s important that you keep the four foundational principles of coaching in mind.
Let’s start with the first two.
A coach can’t succeed unless his team trusts him. As the first principle of coaching, trust is vital because it facilitates good communication. Two people that share trust are more likely to be open and honest with each other. Secrets or lies don’t pose a threat to their bond.
For coaches this is important, as a coach needs to know exactly what makes his team tick. A coach requires total honesty from his clients. But he won’t get it unless he presents himself honestly – trust is of course a two-way street!
The second key principle of coaching is about potential. What does this mean? Coaching is based on the assumption that each person has the potential to grow and become something better.
Unlocking someone’s potential begins with close observation. Listen carefully to what the person is saying, and the way she is saying it. Is she speaking too softly? Or avoiding eye contact? Maybe she’s just keeping her head down, or is she perhaps quick to anger?
Each of these aspects allows a coach to discover the paradigms, or views of the client, what she thinks about the world and herself, which can affect (often negatively) the way she acts and behaves.
For example, the paradigm of a person who exhibits low self-esteem might be that she lacks crucial life skills and so can’t ever achieve anything worthwhile. The job of a coach is mine for this information which can then be challenged, to show the client her true potential.
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What is Unlocking Potential about?
Unlocking Potential (2014) outlines practical coaching tools to help leaders, managers or supervisors better engage their teams and transform their organizations. It’s simply the most comprehensive guide to becoming a great coach!
Unlocking Potential Review
Unlocking Potential (2010) is a book that explores the keys to unlocking our true potential for success and fulfillment. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With practical strategies and insightful stories, it guides readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
- The book emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and leveraging them to achieve our goals and dreams.
- Through its powerful lessons on mindset, resilience, and leadership, the book inspires us to take control of our lives and reach new heights of success.
Best quote from Unlocking Potential
It is better to have Grade B strategy with Grade A execution, than the other way around.
—Michael K. Simpson
Who should read Unlocking Potential?
- People who aspire to be a great coach
- Leaders in organizations of any size
- Practicing coaches looking for inspiration
Categories with Unlocking Potential
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Unlocking Potential FAQs
What is the main message of Unlocking Potential?
Unlocking Potential is about discovering your inner greatness and unleashing your full potential.
How long does it take to read Unlocking Potential?
It typically takes several hours to read Unlocking Potential. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Unlocking Potential a good book? Is it worth reading?
Unlocking Potential is a must-read for anyone looking to unlock their hidden potential. It offers practical insights for personal and professional growth.
Who is the author of Unlocking Potential?
Michael K. Simpson is the author of Unlocking Potential.
What to read after Unlocking Potential?
If you're wondering what to read next after Unlocking Potential, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Growing Great Employees by Erika Andersen
- Co-Active Coaching by Henry Kimsey-House
- The Coach's Survival Guide by Kim Morgan
- Lead Like a Coach by Karen Morley
- Coaching for Performance by Sir John Whitmore
- The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch
- Challenging Coaching by John Blakey and Ian Day
- Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee Adams
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
- The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier