CLCI's team shares two free downloadable tools that will allow you and your clients to explore all sides of an important question or new venture. #CLCILIVE
Today Lisa Finck (C.P.C., A.C.C.), Brooke Adair Walters (M.C.L.C., C.P.C), and Jerome LeDuff Jr (M.C.L.C.) Cartesian Logic and SWOT Analysis are two powerful tools when used in your coaching practice, life and business. Both allow you to slow down your thinking and carefully consider all possibilities. In this CLCI Live we introduce a new approach to Cartesian Logic as a 4 column pros & cons list in addition they demonstrate another 4 column tool SWOT Analysis which allows us to create an informed strategic plan of action while reframing weaknesses and deciding how to navigate through potential threats.
Cartesian Logic: What should I do?
Rene Descartes is often attributed with the use of Cartesian Logic and Rationalism. When asked, what is a human, he would probably say "A thing which thinks. What is a thing which thinks? It is a thing which doubts, understands, [conceives], affirms, denies, wills, refuses, which also imagines and feels." (Meditations on First Philosophy)
Note how our old friend Descartes does not state quick, obvious facts. The answer to this hypothetical question requires serious consideration. As coaches, our client's often want quick and easy answers but it is not our jobs to provide them. Our job is to encourage our clients to arrive at their own conclusions so they can realize what their true priorities are and if they align with their goals.
Often when confronted with a difficult scenario, we wonder what we should do and what we ought to do. And we should never should on ourselves. A great solution to shoulding all over yourself is to employ the use of Cartesian Logic, a tool taught in Level 1. There are many ways to visualize Cartesian Logic and Brooke in our video does a fine job helping Lisa figure out if getting a new dog is right for her.
Below is another hypothetical scenario with another way to visualize our choices:
I made a diet plan to lose weight over a period of 3 months. I check in regularly with my life coach and I strictly follow my diet and exercise plan I created. I have been making progress and feel energized to continue, however....there is a gigantic sub sandwich that has appeared on my kitchen table in front of me. I am very hungry and it is not in my diet plan. What should I do?
*There are no wrong or right answers, only informed decisions.
These questions are used to find out what is important and are used to explore all sides of the issue, not just the pros and cons. Try to imagine what this hypothetical client decided will do. What stands out? What are the patterns?
The goal of this exercise is to use our rational mind to make an informed choice.
SWOT ANALYSIS: Fact Based Strategic Planning
You or your client have a specific goal in mind. Usually in the form of a business venture or a new endeavor. You know what the end result will look like but it is unclear what strategy to use or how to approach the situation. This is where SWOT comes in.
SWOT is an acronym that stands for:
Strengths: Your internal strengths, skills, and value. Advantages that can be leveraged.
Weakness: Your internal shortcomings, what you lack, what can be improved upon.
Opportunities: External opportunities, trends, or new developments. New investments or market factors. Is there a window of opportunity?
Threats: External things that can harm you or your plans. Competition, regulations, volatile conditions. What threats can be anticipated and mitigated?
Here is another hypothetical scenario with a helpful visual:
I want to open a bakery in town but I don't know exactly where I stand and I need to develop a plan to manifest my idea of a successful business into a reality. By using SWOT I can figure out my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
By writing down your SWOT, you take the time to think about the factors that will influence the success of any business venture, endeavor, or decision you make. It is far better to consider your SWOT now, rather than missing a critical opportunity or being blindsided by an obvious weakness or threat.
Speaking of opportunities, be sure to download the templates below so that you too can use Cartesian Logic & SWOT in your coaching practices and in your personal lives!
Thank you,
Lisa Finck, Brooke Adair Walters, and Jerome LeDuff Jr.
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