In a series of articles that appeared in Newsweek (April 28, 2003), business experts were asked their opinions on everything from the future of technology to upcoming economic trends. Warren Bennis, an esteemed professor at USC, was asked specifically about how to ensure job security in tough times. He replied,

Professor Bennis

"No job is safe. Never will be. The half-life of any particular skill is, at most, five years. And that's on the long side. What will keep you alive? Be curious, be willing to learn, have a moral compass, and know what gives your life meaning."

Isn't it amazing that we are living in a whole new business reality with an entirely new set of demands, yet we are still living as if the old rules still apply?

We can no longer cling to the degrees earned, the titles achieved, the courses taken, the money made. The only thing we can ground to is the knowledge of ourselves, and our ability to self-correct our behaviors to ensure we continue to enjoy the privilege of leading people, projects, and business growth.

Using Professor Bennis's insightful observations, this article addresses a coaching methodology which embraces these tenets and demonstrates how they were successfully applied to four different coaching scenarios.

How well are you practicing the competencies required for today's and tomorrow's complex business climate?

Next section: Be curious