There’s a great story from the late Prof Clay Christensen that I think about from time to time.
Andy Grove, CEO of Intel, requested Prof Clay Christensen to visit Intel headquarters and explain his theory of disruptive innovation. When Clay arrived, Andy said he could only spare 10 minutes and asked Clay to explain what it means for Intel.
Clay instead showed Andy a diagram of his theory and began walking him through it.
Ten minutes in, Andy interrupted impatiently – “Look, I’ve got your model. Just tell us what it means for Intel.”
“Andy, I can’t.” Clay persisted and went on to share the story of the disruption of the steel mill industry.
When he finished the story, Andy said, “I got it.” and explained how it applied to Intel.
Prof Christensen shared the story from time to time to drive home the idea that Andy knew more than he would ever know about his business. Instead of telling him what to think, his role was to teach him how to think.
It is a fantastic example of what great coaching looks like. And it is one I do my best to remember every time I’m attempting to coach myself.
A Learning a Day 