As a Life Coach I’m often asked, “Coaching. What’s that mean? What do you do?” Frankly, I’ve always found it hard to describe. Non factual, behavior based … life coaching is more art than science. It requires listening deeply. Trying to explore the parts of ones human psyche, emotions that define the issues to be addressed. Who they are. Where they are at the moment.Material wealth, accomplishments, more ego driven efforts are personally rewarding. But only when blended with clear values, behaviors, an attitude that “lubricates” daily function? It’s hard to stay the course here. Grasp the concept of “lubrication.” Deliver results when trying to achieve results that longer term are most satisfying.For those I coach in the business world? The ROI, bottom line guys, it’s all about impact on the $s. “What’s this coaching got to do with business?” You know. Where are the strategies, the tactics, the financial impact. I can go to these issues … and will. At least until this guy or gal grasps the real reasons why he or she has engaged me. To “Lubricate” this process. Define the culture in the business key to growth first. Then and only then can we go to strategy.

Recently the gifted Atlanta Braves star, Ron Acuna was benched for not running out a hit on the base paths. Acuna is the Braves leading performer. Pull him out of the game? With all those home runs, stolen bases? The manager, Brian Snitker chose sound behavior, team values, attitude over performance. He served notice to Acuna, “The name ‘Atlanta’ on the front of your Jersey is more important than your name on the back.” Intention, attitude, team. These make teams, individual performances great. That’s “lubrication” … a living example where culture trumps strategy. Which it does … every time. I believe self awareness of oneself, the people around us is the only sustainable competitive advantage a business has. Successful products, profits are critical. It’s just that the truest path to results is to embrace the ingenuity and creativity of an organization’s people. Thus my credo for over twenty years that “You grow your business by growing your people.” “Lubricate” first … always.

More about “Lubrication.”Possibly the best description. At least the most understandable one goes something like this when addressing the question with a business client? “What’s all this (lubrication) got to do with my business?”I usually open with, “All those essential parts of your business? The strategic. The tactical. The goal focused. The indicators? They define ultimate success. Profit. Value to stakeholders. But without the proper “lubrication” all those parts will not function optimally. I’m referring to … team alignment, function, effectiveness. Commitment to personal and professional growth. Speedy conflict resolution. Absence of “triangling” (Conversations about another, usually negative, with that person not present). Behavior style of the leader(s). Relationships grounded in trust. All the collaborative interaction that promotes lots of creativity, innovation. Basically, all the aspects of organizational health and people’s behavior. Without which none of those “indicators” of success are going to look very good.

Of course I have to deal with both right brainers and left brainers ( see earlier blog). Some grasp this. Some don’t. That’s their choice. But it’s also an assessment I must make before taking a new client on. A blank, puzzled response to my premise that it’s about your people? About “lubrication?” I’ll probe a bit further or simply say, “I think it might be best if you look for counsel more aligned with your philosophy.” Why waste our time trying to push a string uphill. Why proffer the need to grow people to grow business if the potential client doesn’t see value in this premise.  I’ve found this is usually the best path if early conversation provides too much head wind.

So I’ll hear a lot about the material facts of life … business. I had to deliver results in my day as a businessman. But eventually as is the case with any top performing group I was blessed to lead? The cohesion, loyalty and commitment of each team member was key to “lubricate” efforts, deliver results. Sustain performance long term.“Lubrication” … more and more this will surface as an imperative in our ever accelerating world.