Why Efficiency Prevents Leaders From Creating Positive Change?
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 5, 2023
- 5 min read
Written by: Nathalie Colin, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Leaders are living in an ever-changing world and must work and adapt very quickly to any situation. Many are high achievers used to thinking and finding solutions fast. Their super brain functions like a GPT that can synthesize and connect data in seconds to optimize efficiency. They have so much to address that they can’t afford to lose time. But efficiency can sometimes become an addiction that moves them away from their potential for positive impact. The good news is that there is another type of GPT that helps balance efficiency and positive transformation.
Efficiency is very seductive to high achievers.
Let me illustrate my point with chat GPT. I’ve always been curious about tech innovation and read so much about chat GPT that I’ve decided to experience it. So as an executive coach who helps pioneer women raise their positive impact, I asked chat GPT to write down a post that presents one of my coaching programs. In a few seconds, it gave me a title and a beautiful marketing speech that could seduce me as a potential client.
And my inner High Achiever applauded the performance, thinking: “Wow. This is amazing in terms of efficiency. I could save lots of time and energy by creating more content to share on social media and quickly expanding my audience. And I could do much more than what I do today!”
But efficiency can also distract from one’s potential for positive change.
Now let me build on that example. My inner Sage immediately noticed the efficiency trap. Using chat GPT regularly, I could become co-dependent and lose confidence in my writing ability. Besides, I would not speak my truth and disconnect from the women who partly recognize themselves in how I share my life experiences. Therefore, that post would not talk about my Positive Transformation on my journey as a woman, an entrepreneur, a coach, a mother, a spouse, a daughter, a friend, and a member of the Earth tribe!”
That GPT example illustrates how efficiency sometimes prevents High Achievers from creating connections and positive transformation. When they work in a very automated mode, driven by time and ROI pressure, they may lose track of their wisdom and miss opportunities to better serve others based on their experience.
We all possess an Inner GPT: an Inner Guide for Positive Transformation!
When we chat with him, life transforms for the better for the people we work and live with and for us. On top of efficiency, the Inner GPT brings leaders more simplicity, creativity, and inner peace. That’s why they should discuss more often with their Inner GPT! How to do it?
1. Create moments to spend with your Inner GPT.
As a high achiever, I have observed that I run two marathons simultaneously with some roller coasters.
The thoughts marathon. My brain works with associations, and my thoughts never stop unless I create purposeful moments to slow them down. And when I do so, I have access to my inner wisdom.
The actions marathon. I am very good at doing things faster than others. And sometimes, I take on much more than I should, which derails me from my priority to create a positive impact. Stopping and listening to my inner guide helps me refocus and feel more satisfied.
The emotional roller coaster. As a sensitive person, I used to control and hide my emotions because I was concerned about losing control. I now know that negative emotions are signs of unsatisfied needs. And they request time and space to be understood. Emotions are one language our Inner Guide uses to help us align.
2. Engage the chat with your Inner GPT.
What would you naturally do if you were to meet a mentor, guide, or advisor? I’d bet you would prepare a set of questions you want to ask them, wouldn’t you? In such a case, you don’t present yourself wondering what the day's topic is. Because you know you will get helpful information from that conversation.
Well, it’s the same with your inner guide for positive transformation. To receive guidance, you must first ask questions and set an intention. And the process is simple: stop, relax, ask, listen, and journal. You may receive an image or a feeling or hear some words. Whatever it is, don’t judge, and welcome the insight.
3. Trust your Inner GPT.
You may question the information your inner guide gives you. I have noticed that when it happens, it’s because the answer you got is different from what you expected, and your internal controller disagrees. It is understandable, as his role is to protect you from failure. And he’s done a great job so far. But if you keep listening to him, you may miss an opportunity to resolve the situation in a way that will better serve all the parties involved. So, stay a little longer with your Inner GPT's advice. And observe how your body responds once the surprise is gone and you have released control. Do you feel lighter? Do you feel calmer? Do you get a sense of freedom? If so, you can proceed and act upon the guidance. If not, keep on chatting with your Inner GPT! And ask how to satisfy your need for safety or what other need must be fulfilled. This is not a one-time, one-way conversation.
4. Be willing to act upon the advice you get from your Inner GPT.
Your Inner GPT is always here to support you, but you need to act upon what it suggests to get a chance to confirm that it worked! Otherwise, you will keep on doubting its voice. And with time, you will stop the conversation because it doesn’t help you. Creating a positive transformation in your life requires you to step out of your comfort zone and keep learning from the experience.
5. Begin to practice with someone who has learned to chat with Inner GPT.
Sometimes we need someone to help us commit to a new habit or to help us re-engage in practice. There are many good reasons why you could forget to chat with your Inner GPT. You may have all the necessary answers, and life is going well, so why bother asking? Or maybe times get tough, and you’re so messed up with all your emotions that you think you’ve lost the connection. This is the time to ask for the help of someone who can temporarily become your Ext.GPT: the External Guide for Positive Transformation. They will help you escape the drama and offer you the alternative perspective you need to hear. And with some time, you will do it by yourself, chatting regularly with your Inner GPT.
If you’re looking for an External Guide for Positive Transformation – and need support to elevate your leadership and impact with grace and ease, visit my website and ask for a coaching discovery call.
Nathalie Colin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Nathalie Colin is a Business coach on a mission to help pioneers increase their positive impact globally. In 2015 she came close to a stroke, and she initiated a spiritual journey that led her to quit her successful career in advertising strategy. The leaders and entrepreneurs she coaches are visionary, humble, generous, and work tirelessly. But seeking excellence, they control or suppress part of themselves and often live as impostors. Deep inside, they feel frustrated and think they are missing out on something essential. Nathalie helps them raise their Consciousness, lead from Soul and boldly expand their Contribution to this world.
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