The Effectiveness Process

Although we tend to think of steps in a process as linear, where we move from one step or stage to the next, the stages of effectiveness are actually progressive, rather than linear, each building upon the previous one. Those who have properly developed and implemented the characteristics of effectiveness never actually leave the first stage of the process. In fact, each stage acts as a foundation for the next. Like building a pyramid, each stage relies on the previous one to support it, until the pinnacle achievement of excellence resides at the top. People who are effective will always be actively engaged in the beginning stages of the process. Those who are most effective find that they are simultaneously engaged in more of the stages, all of the time. This continues until they have ultimately mastered themselves sufficiently to achieve excellence (be at the top) on a consistent basis.

Of course, true effectiveness requires the ability to make adjustments at any point in the process. Sometimes we may find that we’ve tried to build upward too fast and must return to a lower level to make our foundation more solid. As we move from role to role attempting to fulfill our various stewardships and achieve the several goals we've set in our lives, we are constantly building, reinforcing, and planning new building blocks to be used in the effectiveness process. Then, once we’ve finished a particular structure, with its crowning achievement at the top, it becomes a building block for an even bigger, grander, and more elaborate quest for achievement.

The Core

Pursue • Discover • Evaluate • Choose • Focus • Persevere • Achieve

Steps one through three in the effectiveness process are the most intellectually demanding, while steps five through seven require the greatest amount of stamina and energy. Step four, however, is the most crucial part in the effectiveness process, because it is the most emotional. This is the point where we are required to look deep into ourselves to discover our most intrinsic values, motivators, and goals. It is the point where we often have to re-evaluate what those values, motivators, and goals really are—or should be—and either make adjustments or renew our commitment to them and implement them more fully.

Step four (choice) is central to the effectiveness process. Not only because it is the middle step; but also, because it tends to be the stage where we either embrace or abandon the quest. People who are truly effective not only make decisions more frequently and confidently, they also cherish their right to do so and will defend it vehemently. Those who lack effectiveness, on the other hand, find they would rather have someone else make decisions for them and just tell them what to do. Effectiveness, therefore, is not only the means to success—it is the vital essence of leadership.

Since leadership skills are not only necessary for guiding and governing others, but are also required for self-governance (or self-mastery), understanding the principles of The Effectiveness Process and infusing them into everyday living is a primary focus of Interpersonal & Professional Effectiveness Coaching. Special emphasis is also given to empowering people to recognize and take full advantage of opportunities to make personal choices while allowing and encouraging others to do so, as well.