Kintsugi and Coaching
Ever heard the term kintsugi?
"Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art."
I love the notion that we, as individuals, are stronger and more complete when we recognise and embrace our imperfections and flaws. We are a product of our experiences, good, bad and ugly.
In my mind there are 2 steps to kintsugi:
You need to first understand and recognise where the cracks or gaps are.
You need to fill and reinforce them with gold
A good coach can help you with both of these things.
Step 1: Finding the Gaps
In order to find and recognise the gaps, you have to understand what the ‘whole’ looks like - what does the finished article look like?
If we liken this to ‘what good looks like’ in a sales capacity, we’d be looking at the skills, knowledge, behaviours or mindset that drive the successful outcomes you are looking for.
Only when we understand this can we explore where we have flaws and imperfections that are holding us back…the gaps that need filling.
Step 2: Filling the Gaps with Gold
Once we recognise and embrace the cracks and gaps, we can work through what ‘gold’ can fill those gaps and make us stronger.
Good quality, structured sales coaching can not only help you come up with a plan on how to fill the gaps but can help you become a stronger sales person through constant and consistent reinforcement.
Patience, accountability and reinforcement with sales coaching ‘gold’ will “create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art”.