The sky today was cornflower blue. Set against mountains that were recently peppered with snow, and with the sun doing its part to keep everything bright, it made for a beautiful day.
When Geoff and I lived in Hong Kong, far from the snow-capped mountains I look out at now, I was a frequent and regular client at a nearby nail salon. For a brief stretch of time, I would ask Geoff what color I should get before heading out for my manicure, playing along as he blurted out colors that when I string them together now sound more like I'm describing a bruise than listing choices of nail lacquer.
Black, yellow, purple, blue. In retrospect, whether these were dares or actual suggestions is anyone's guess. But I said yes to them all, for better or for worse, because it felt fun and I knew better than to overthink nail polish.
These days I rarely bother getting manicures, having lost the patience required to sit still for that long without the use of my hands. But I'm reminded of that stretch of time when I outsourced my decisions on nail color, and how it was fun inviting Geoff into a decision that had little consequence or bearing for either of us, especially him, but nonetheless felt like a real decision.
Let's think about that for a minute. How does adding or including stakeholders impact the stakes?
As you consider your next personal or professional decision — moving house, retirement, enrolling in classes, stepping up in title or finishing that passion project — who are your stakeholders and how are you choosing to involve them? Are they sounding boards, advice givers or silent bystanders?
What is a time when you went outside of your comfort zone to involve someone in the decision or the decision-making process? Did it help or hinder your outcome?
As your coach, I may not be a direct stakeholder in your decision, but I am invested in your success. My role is to help you identify the people impacting your decisions as well as those impacted by your decisions, all so you can make better decisions and move forward in the direction you want.
Walking Audrey today I thought about the last time I sought Geoff's input on nail polish, which I remember vividly because it turned out to be the same week he proposed marriage. It was a hot and humid August night in Hong Kong, and my nails were painted blue. Cornflower blue, in fact, just like the sky today. It was fun and once again I said yes, for better and for worse.