On simplicity

Recently I was speaking with a friend and colleague who, in addition to being an incredibly accomplished coach and facilitator on the global stage, is newly enjoying life as an AirBnB host. She was saying that the straightforward simplicity of the work – baking bread, preparing the room, making guests feel welcome – often felt particularly enjoyable in contrast to the complex, deep-diving personal work of coaching.

It did get us thinking about how often a solution to a complex problem may lie in simplifying.

There is, of course, a time to get into deep analysis, to look for complex causes, to seek to elevate and synthesise and bring rigour and discipline to a problem. Important social and global challenges require this of us, without a doubt.

At other times, though, relief can be found in stopping. Resting. Being in the moment with a simple pleasure. Allowing a relationship or a situation to be whatever it is, right now, without willing or forcing or wishing it to be different.

I suppose the skill is in knowing when to bring rigour and when to rest.

For now, rather than analyse that, I’m going to let it sit.

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others
Madeleine

PS If you’re a female leader employed in a senior role and whose next career step/s will likely lead to the C-suite, you may be interested in the mastermind groups I’m putting together. This will be a chance to gain a new perspective that can be hard to find when your career has been focused on a particular industry. You can ask questions, get insights on a challenge you might be facing, hear from guests, and learn (and contribute) in a way that would be different to what is possible among your own colleagues. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

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