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Over the past couple of weeks, I found myself frequently drawn to the news about the spectacular Artemis II mission. I was captivated by the photographs of Earth and other planets, but even more inspired by the four astronauts, all of whom seem to represent the best of humanity — exceptional skill and intelligence intertwined with curiosity, awe, and a strong sense of interpersonal connection. I noted the language that pilot Victor Glover used when talking to CBS news during the mission:
"One of the really important personal perspectives that I have up here is I can really see Earth as one thing...this is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are and that we are the same thing. And that we got to get through this together."
Glover noted that he had not prepared any remarks. He spoke from the heart, his perspective shift no doubt inspired by a view of our planet that very few have seen with their own eyes.
On a smaller but no less important scale, coaching gives us the ability to encourage students to step back, take a longer view, and perhaps see their learning trajectory in a new and more productive light. Recently a longtime coachee of mine wanted to discuss a morning motivation issue that has resurfaced after more than a year. Initially, they were frustrated looking at the immediate problem, and somewhat disheartened because it felt like a step backward. Wanting to invite a perspective shift, I asked questions: How long has it been since you felt like this? What were the circumstances then? How did you make change then? What is the situation now? How have you grown since then, and what self-knowledge can you use to create a plan of action for this moment? They talked in between these questions, of course, and over the conversation their perspective shifted. They were more able to see that this wasn't a step back, but a new situation with some similar elements to the former one, and that they have tools they can use to design and implement targeted actions.
Let the astronauts and images of Artemis II inspire you to invite perspective shifts in your coachees. See how you might be intentional this week with a student who could benefit from looking at the "earth" of their learning life from a bit further back.
If you'd like to grow your own skills in helping others see things in a different light, take advantage of a variety of training opportunities LifeBound offers.
To learn more or explore which option is right for you, visit www.lifebound.com.
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