Sparring partner
Where does the term sparring partner come from?
The term originally comes from boxing. The term is also used in various martial arts. Here too, it is – if you like – a mixture of a coach and a trainer.
It is definitely about fighting like in a competition – but with adapted rules.
Injuries are to be prevented and the focus is on training. Instead of “winners and losers”, it’s more about really learning and improving your skills.
The following could be a concrete example of sparring with Red Thread Coaching:
For an account manager, sales manager or executive, it’s about turning a prospect into a new customer. All theory remains gray to a certain extent if it is not put into practice, so such a situation is simulated and practiced.
Practice – evaluate – understand and implement – improve/integrate – practice – evaluate again. This is both challenging and incredibly productive.
To spar with someone literally means to deal with someone.
In no way does this mean “arguing” or having to argue all the time.
To spar with someone means to take an interest in someone and to want to get to know them.
When you “engage” with someone, it first means creating distance in a positive sense.
Only then can you see something or someone as a whole.
Others are better suited to boxing or martial arts – but if you are a specialist, manager or entrepreneur looking for a sparring partner, then write to me, I am looking forward to meeting you.
What is a sparring partner?
A good sparring partner will question and challenge you. Together with you, he will work out what your beliefs are and how you see the world through your glasses.
Questioning what you (or your head) believe is right is what can make such work very successful: By listening carefully and asking appropriate questions, changes in perspective emerge.
And ideally, the ability to look at things increases, using the “Zoom-out/Zoom-in – Principle”: When zooming out, you check whether your view of things is objectively true and to what extent it may be determined by your own beliefs or your personal values/principles. There are almost always further possibilities. And when you zoom in (again), a new, often completely different picture may emerge.
What are the benefits of sparring?
Assuming openness, sparring brings a change of perspective. You have, if you like, both at the same time: a kind of personal boot camp with a trainer who reminds you here and there that you want to become what you already are and that this development also requires some effort and commitment. Otherwise you will end up back in your old habits, which may be characterized by beliefs that tend to drag you down.
And in addition to the boot camp, you also have a coach who will guide you through difficult phases and support you.
When the two come together and, above all, are supported by a real inner determination to get things moving – in other words, to learn to lead yourself in the best possible way – then sparring can be very beneficial.
You become (more) independent, you become (more) authentic and you open doors for yourself to spaces that you didn’t even know were there.
A new joy in leading, in your professional work and an overall zest for life can spread.
Let’s find out if Sparring with Red Thread Coaching might be something for you – contact me now, I’m looking forward to meeting you.
What is a sparring partner in business?
A sparring partner in a company can mean two things – on the one hand, it can be a good coach who is “available” to a whole number of people.
It can help a company enormously if this work is then evaluated at intervals and possible, sensible optimization options are developed and, above all, implemented(!) – for example in team communication. Of course, this must and will happen while maintaining confidentiality.
Secondly, it can also mean – with the help of a coach – starting a small revolution: If everyone in the company has someone as a sparring partner and all of this takes place according to jointly developed rules, the effect can be enormous.
Employees are integrated very directly and a highly exciting corporate and/or team culture is created bit by bit.
This takes a lot of courage, especially from the management – but the few companies that implement something like this have had impressive experiences and seen great results.
Would you like to know more? Contact me to arrange a meeting to discuss whether and, if so, how I can support you. I am looking forward to getting to know you.