I’ve worked with other leadership coaches and my experience has been consistently similar; learning how to behave and think like a leader.
Working with Maiken I’ve learned how to LIVE as a leader, by listening with my mind and body. The grammar that we learned to communicate with has allowed our team and I to seek conscious solutions when we’re on the battlefield or on our personal journey.
Some of the exercises that we did were life changing to me.
- Understanding the meaning of others and their stories. This technique allowed me to stop judging the conversation the way I would want it to be, it helped me relieve the tension within myself. This is one of the differences between Maiken and other coaches. She coaches how to operates from within our mind and emotions.
- Being comfortable with the uncomfortable. I was shocked to hear that this was an option that would render me satisfaction and peace. The room to make crucial decisions became clearer and easier to do.
- Limited self vs Expanded self. This was a gift of freedom. My mind and body felt more creative and freer to explore new discoveries.
- Buddy sessions. By doing this exercise we as a team became closer and more open to each other. I also was able to break down some of the barriers that kept me from meeting with my direct reports to have tough conversations.
- Monthly group meetings. I loved the way that Maiken Facilitated the sessions. She always had an agenda that supported our needs. This structure kept it interesting and full of energy because it would feed our brains with curiosity.
- One on One sessions with Maiken. These sessions were an eye opener to me. At first, I had Identified them as Therapy. But as we went forward Maiken was able to share many insights that I was still living and or using as a crutch to lean on. For example: Using old thoughts as a reference on new discoveries that would turn out to be the same as the old.
And letting go of old thoughts – because that’s all they are. This has allowed me to create space for new thoughts, and to be true to myself.