The Power of Championship
One of my favorite things about being a coach is having the opportunity to champion my clients. It's powerful to have someone in your corner, a person who truly sees you, recognizes what is possible for you, and stands up for your ability to achieve your dreams. I know because I've experienced it myself.
These are my parents, Bill and Kelly Phen, holding me in 1988. While they didn't know it at the time, they had a future entrepreneur on their hands. As a child, I was always coming up with a new business, whether it was a lemonade stand, selling crafts door to door in my neighborhood, or sewing custom sleeve straps for girls' soccer uniforms. When I saw a problem to be fixed at school, I jumped in headfirst. I did small things, like petition the principal for soccer gear at recess, and big things, like co-found a program to raise money to put more computers into the classrooms at my elementary school. I decided at one point that I'd be the first woman president. At another time, a professional soccer player. I truly believed I could do anything I put my mind to, simply because no one ever even hinted that I couldn't.
At the time, I didn't know anything different, but I see now what a gift their championship was. My parents didn't plant the seed for my dreams or ideas. They never pressured me. But, every time I shared a dream or came up with an idea for a new project or business, they supported me like it was the most natural thing in the world. They acknowledged the hard work it would take, but they never told me I couldn't or signaled any doubt. They supported me in all my endeavors. I always believed they thought I could do it, so it was easier for me to believe it myself.
As adults, I think we often underestimate how powerful our championship of others can be. It can sometimes feel like we're the only ones experiencing self-doubt, while the people we see around us operate with confidence and ease. It may seem like the people around us don't need championship. They have it all figured out. But as a coach, I see a different perspective. I've yet to have a single coaching client who didn't spend some of our time together talking about self-doubt. It's something everyone faces. We all need someone in our corner who can see our strength and potential and is willing to let us know what they see.
Who has championed you in your life? Are you getting the championship you need now?
And how much championship are you giving to others, personally and professionally?
Here are a few tips for how to be a better champion:
Listen to the people in your life. What do they care about? What are their dreams?
Take the time to see them. What unique strengths and abilities do they bring to the world? What do you see in them that's beautiful and inspiring? What's possible for them?
Communicate with heart. People know when you're throwing out empty platitudes. Championship is about authentically sharing what you see in someone and what you know they can achieve.
Stand up for them in a way they may not be standing up for themselves. Even if the person is doing their own work to overcome self-doubt and fear, your championship can add fuel to the fire.
