Beyond the Obvious: Are You Overlooking Your Best Option?

Hello Igniters!

As an experienced management consultant turned executive coach, I have spent much of my career helping leaders navigate complex decisions, transform their organizations, and realize untapped potential. I have always appreciated in either profession that the value of the right question—asked at the right time—can shift perspectives, challenge assumptions, and spark meaningful change. In this issue of Insight Igniter, I will explore a question that, when applied effectively, traverses’ industries, leadership levels, and personal growth journeys.

The Insight Igniter coaching question for February 24th, 2025:

'What Options Are You Not Considering?'

Whether you’re leading a team, shaping a vision, or navigating an important personal moment, this question will challenge you to understand collective blind spots, break free from conventional wisdom and move forward with purpose.

Understanding Collective Blind Spots

The question 'What Options Are You Not Considering?' brings a fresh perspective, unburdened by entrenched assumptions. A shared observation between consulting and coaching is that leaders and teams can fall into the trap of operating within familiar frameworks, shaped by industry norms and habitual thinking. These collective blind spots can limit creativity, stifle agility, and hinder performance. A coach—someone new to the field—has the advantage of probing beyond these limitations. “We lean on automation – for most of change management.” my client said as we discussed an improvement project they were leading. Further exploration identified that previous projects came up short in results and workarounds needed to be created. They had developed a blind spot in identifying options for solving business challenges. By challenging their thinking with this issue’s question, they shifted their focus considering process and people solutions. The result of the project is still unknown, but value was delivered by the client realizing their own bias and realizing unexplored options were available.

Break Free From Conventional Wisdom

When you create the space to explore the question ‘What options are you not considering?’ you open yourself up to new possibilities. Sometimes clients struggle to convert conceptual thought into application. This is where I have been able to draw on my consulting experience by introducing thought models like scenario planning. I offer you to imagine multiple possible futures and consider actions to prepare for them accordingly. The benefit of this framework is that you prioritize adaptability – you are no longer predicting a single outcome. You are prepared to respond to a range of possibilities, mitigate risks, and make intentional choices. Whether applied to career transitions, relationships, or health challenges, scenario planning allows you to gain a sense of control over their lives and personal growth.

Moving Forward With Purpose

‘What options are you not considering?’ is a call to courage, reinforcing your sense of agency. You are asked to embrace discomfort, challenge biases, and entertain the possibility that the best solution might lie beyond comfortable territory. It is not just about uncovering more choices—it is about making choices that align with your true purpose and aspirations.

Our lives often present challenges as either-or decisions, this question serves as a powerful reminder: There is always another way forward. The key is being willing to see it. Whether you're facing am inflection point in your career, leadership challenge, or a personal crossroads, expanding your perspective can unlock opportunities you hadn't imagined. Sometimes, the best path isn’t the one directly in front of you—it’s the one you create by exploring possibilities beyond the obvious. This week, challenge yourself to pause, reflect, and ask: What options am I not considering? You might just find that the breakthrough you’ve been searching for has been within reach all along.

Until next time – Stay ignited!

Best,

Coach Stef, CEC

Share your insights on my Substack feed !