When I’m coaching clients and experiencing things in my own life, I look for themes that would be helpful to share with you guys. Lately it’s been this: “take one step back.” It’s come up a lot lately, and on today’s episode I share with you the wisdom in choosing to take one step back before dispensing advice or making a decision in life or leadership.
The chances are slim that my quick answer is the right answer, and it stops the conversation instead of taking it to a deeper place. When we take one step back, we enter into a place of humility by assuming we don’t have all the facts. Taking a step back looks more like walking side-by-side with someone, and less like a transactional “bank teller” interaction.
A lot of times, taking one step back is asking yourself “what is the nature of this relationship I’m in?” and approaching the conversation from that place. I share an example about my teenagers – instead of just giving them the quick answer to solve a problem, I can take one step back and ask myself “How can I have this conversation in a way that lends itself toward the goal of my child becoming a more graceful, wise and caring adult?”
Taking that one step back can help make sure you’re on the right path forward, so my encouragement to you is this: next time you’re in a situation where you’re trying to solve a problem, hear the words “take one step back.”
ABOUT NICOLE
Nicole Unice is a popular author and communicator who is passionate about facilitating environments of safety and vulnerability so that individuals and communities can courageously identify the obstacles keeping them from maximum potential.
Nicole lives in Richmond, VA with her husband, three children, and two dogs!
In her books, Nicole is passionate about making transformation attainable and accessible to people in all stages of life. As a coach, she brings clarity and courage for individuals and teams as they pursue a preferred future. As a speaker, Nicole brings both wit and wisdom to the platform, with an honest and vulnerable approach that appeals to both faith and leadership environments alike.
