“I don’t like the way you keep treating me. How can I change?”

You read that right. No, there aren’t any typos in this dialogue, because this isn’t a dialogue.
There is nothing missing from this two-sentence sequence.
That is exactly the point: this short and empowering quotation must be a monologue.

Every day we witness many of these classic frustrating scenarios, wherein, regardless of who is involved, the lines seem rehearsed and everyone is off-book.

A perfect example (Warning: Barnum-ish Effect ahead), your parents.
The recurrent and totally unproductive interactions in the perennial disputes between your mother and father – 30+ years later, zero creativity, reproaches are exactly the same... laziest scriptwriters ever (replace “mother and father” by the actors of any long-term relationship).

Here’s a bone to chew on: you surely have one relationship (personal or professional) in which you are not only not satisfied, but you...

This week a client of mine, a CEO, asked me “Jeanne, would you mind making a phone call to Bianca…?”

- Tell me more. What’s happening? What do you need me for?

- Well, since I hired her two years ago I’ve been waiting for her to deliver, to show me that she deserves the job. Now this is the last call.

- Hum…
Really?

This situation feels familiar to most of us, either from the perspective of the (desperate) manager urging for results, or that of the (also desperate) employee praying for a happy ending in this uncomfortable day-to-day environment.

Here are the 6 points of my answer to the CEO:

1. Historical perspective: First off, reconnect with the origins. Why did you hire her in the first place? What are her assets that led you to believe she was the one?  Focus on these and help her find a way to tap into her strengths and recreate the conditions for her to deliver.
2. Relevant perspective: To set up a successful resolution, YOU have to be...

Who is okay with frustration? My guess is no one.
Who, then, is trying to solve it? Some.
And who is open to changing their ways? A few.
Who is then more fulfilled and more aligned with themselves? The same few.

I’ve combed through my 10-year career and examined the 10 clients with whom I haven’t managed to reach the highest potential outcomes that I expected for them.
Frustration at its height!

Why do most of my clients see extraordinary results, while others see only ordinary results, and in some rare cases, downright low results? 
Indeed, in the same frame time, my expertise, my skills and my method are merely the same from one client to another. My personality also doesn’t change. My beliefs, my motives, my commitment are similar too. So, this is why it is so intriguing and meaningful to dig up this treasure trove of insight.
Should this lead me to believe that these differences in results varies entirely according to on my clients?
No.
First, I don’t...