Over the past few weeks, I have been exploring training and coaching collaboration opportunities with several providers.
Even when the conversations did not lead to collaboration, some were very positive, and I still had valuable takeaways from them. Sometimes, though, I felt quite irritated.
When someone communicated clearly, respected my professional expertise and showed genuine interest in exploring how we might work together, I didn’t feel like my time was wasted.
However, when everything felt too transactional or I was pushed too hard to make an immediate decision, I became quite resistant.
In some cases, my time and personal boundaries were not respected. It made me think about what the working relationship might look like later.
When we look for new opportunities, it can be tempting to say ‘YES’ to most of them.
However, to me how we work together is as important as the work itself.
So, when opportunities arise, I have been asking myself:
- Are the expectations clear?
- Are my time, expertise and boundaries respected?
- Can we communicate openly without feeling pressured?
- Does this opportunity align with the kind of long-term professional relationship I want to build?
- Is there potential in the future, even if there is no immediate outcome?
When I was younger, I might have accepted an offer even when some of my answers to these questions were “No”.
Now that I am in my 50s, I am becoming more selective and learning to be courageous to walk away from opportunities that do not align with my values, boundaries and professional goals.
🤔 Am I being too picky, or have I become clearer about which opportunities are right for me?
❓What does a respectful collaboration look like to you?