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Executive Coaching and the Six-Fingered Man

Out of the blue, I got a call this week from someone I coached ten years ago. He was calling to tell me he finally achieved the long-term goals we set together. I could tell he was a little choked up, and frankly, so was I. Whether I’m providing executive coaching to customers in Cincinnati or anywhere across America, my goal is always to help someone achieve their goal. Reminds me of executive coaching and the Six-Fingered Man. Let me explain.

The Importance of Dreams

During our coaching sessions many years ago, my old friend said his goal was to live on a lake and own his own business. He called to tell me that he was closing on buying a small manufacturing firm that day. And he was standing on the edge of the lake where he lived.

He called to put a bow on his life’s work. Dreams come true. Hard work and dedication pay off. Listening to good advice works. He wanted me to know that my coaching had fallen on fertile ground.

Re-caps and Commitments

My former client said he still had copies of all the notes from every coaching meeting we had. I write a summary after every meeting so my clients can stay focused on the topics and not worry about taking notes. My recaps often have links to other articles that may help the coachee accomplish a goal faster or insight into a challenge they were facing.

He told me he read and re-read those summaries. He took the advice and suggestions to heart. Then he put the ideas to work. Year after year.

One of the most impactful things in life is to reach a stretch goal. These are the lofty objectives that, when properly chosen, guide us on our journey through business and through life.

The Six-Fingered Man

All of this gets me to one of my favorite movies, The Princess Bride. In it, Mandy Patinkin played the character who famously said throughout the movie, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” His goal was to get revenge on the Six-Fingered Man who had taken his father’s life.

When Inigo finally vanquished his nemesis, he had a moment of reflection. “I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it’s over, I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life.”

Executive Coaching and Achieving Goals

When I provide executive coaching to my clients, I help them identify what it is they really want. And then we’ll set out to achieve those goals. If I can ever help you with executive coaching in Cincinnati or anywhere in America, please give me a call. And when you finally get your Six-Fingered Man, I promise you’ll know exactly what to do with the rest of your life.