That friggin “Oppressor” can knock down even the most accomplished talented Leader. I saw it happen to one of my clients. She leads a very successful multi-location non-profit. She is gifted and talented! No question about it. Her ability to assess a situation, put a plan together, and get her TEAM involved is impressive. And yet, the “Oppressor” got the best of her that day.
When coaching for businesses, or an individual, I look for the Oppressor. If they are stuck, it’s always easier to help them see the negative instead of the positive. As human beings we just operate that way, by default. Turning that around is the goal of a coach. I love what Ann Lamott has to say about it”¦
Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.”
“” Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life)
This is what my client sent me after our coaching session. She was inspired by the call we had, and got un-stuck in the Oppressor and accessed her Leader within. That soft spoken beautiful voice that tells you it will be ok, and that you have this.
Why do human beings struggle with going to the positive voice first? Why is that? Each of us are gifted with an all knowing voice that tells us what is right from wrong. A voice that guides us and helps us see what the next step is.
Make today the day that you will begin the practice of “leaning into” THAT voice. And not the one holding you back. And as Anne Lamott says, “Don’t look down and have fun doing it!”