Incorporate Being Wrong

Diane Overgard is the founder and CEO of 45 Degrees Coaching. She is a Professional Executive Life Coach, Certified Family Life Educator, and published author as well as a sought-after speaker.

As a coach, Diane creatively inspires her clients to understand themselves, find direction for their lives and develop habits that bring them more success in both business and family life. Hire her to present training or a lunch-time talk at your work and you’ll see that she knows how adults learn and quickly establishes an energizing environment of trust and respect, with enough light-heartedness to encourage participants to open up, have fun, and try new concepts and behaviors. Her presentations are challenging, personal, and motivational – but never boring!

Launching at 45 degrees is the optimal angle for reaching maximum distance with the least resistance. In just 90 days participants in this 45 Degrees unique coaching process have new habits, more energy, and the motivation to accomplish positive change. 45 Degrees Coaching empowers businessmen and women to make decisions that result in
1-clarity when situations are overwhelming,
2-energy to take action that has impact, and
3-satisfaction when change occurs and goals are realized.

“I’m not always right. Well, yes, I think I am. If I thought I was wrong I’d change to something else, and then I’d be right again.”

That comment about always being right is a direct quote from an executive life coaching client. And, while we laughed about what came out of his mouth, there is profound truth to it. Our natural tendency to get stuck on our own perspective prevents us from innovative negotiations, powerful connections, and creative solutions. Influencing others – professionally and personally – requires us to look outside our opinion to see new opportunities.

So, how can you train yourself to become a more influential leader, employee, or friend? Try this coaching exercise to gain a new perspective on a challenge you’re facing right now.

1- Jot down the BIG PICTURE change you would like to see. If all things turn out just as you recommend, what will the overall situation look like in the end?

2- Imagine SLICING that big change into three individual parts. These are three small changes that will be instrumental in the overall success of your project.

3- Choose one of those small slices and CHANGE YOUR DEFINITION of what SUCCESS will look like – in just that tiny area of this big picture. Ask yourself, “What can I accept in this section of the project, as long as the other two sections go my way?” Repeat this step for each of the slices.

Now, as you reconsider your challenge, notice how open-minded you are! Go into your next meeting or conversation with more creative ideas to move this project forward to a better place.

Thomas Dewar, a 1920’s businessman said, “Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open.” I wish you an open mind to assist in all your future problem-solving.

“A great manager incorporates the possibility of being wrong into finding productive solutions.”