Transform Your Career Reflection: Leverage the Power of Coaching
As women of colour, our career journeys can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing our aspirations, dealing with systemic biases, and often facing judgment in spaces that are slow to welcome us fully.
Along the way, we encounter people who shape and influence our trajectory, acting as what Jay Shetty, in his podcast, describes as “mirrors, windows, doors, and keys.” Each plays a unique role in helping us—or sometimes hindering us—from reaching our full potential.
Here’s a look at how these individuals may show up in your career journey and how, through coaching, you can leverage these insights to drive your growth.
Windows, Doors, and Keys—The Positive Forces
When we think back to supervisors, mentors or champions who truly believed in us, they likely fall into one of three categories:
✨ Windows: These are the people who see the greatness in you, even when you might not see it yourself. They help you expand your vision and inspire you to aim higher. Think about that manager or mentor who encouraged you to apply for a more senior role you felt unqualified for, reminding you of your potential.
🚪 Doors: These individuals open new paths, guiding you through transitions and providing crucial support during key moments of your career. Whether they were there for you during a job change or helped you navigate office politics, they often facilitate opportunities when you most need them.
🗝️ Keys: These are the mentors or sponsors who seem to align perfectly with your career goals. They unlock opportunities that are aligned with your unique talents and aspirations, offering access to spaces or positions that match your potential.
Mirrors—A Challenging Reflection
But then, there are the “mirrors.” In some workplaces, there are supervisors or colleagues whose words, behaviors, or criticisms seem to reflect back our deepest insecurities. These individuals challenge our confidence, bringing up feelings of imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and uncertainty.
While others may encounter occasional “mirrors” at work, for women of colour, this experience can feel like a recurring theme where our value is often questioned.
What makes “mirrors” so challenging is that they can magnify negative perceptions we already have about ourselves. Whether it’s a boss who never acknowledges your contributions or a peer who subtly questions your expertise, these reflections can shake your sense of self. But here's the thing—these “mirrors” can also become powerful tools for growth, if we approach them with intention.
Coaching as a Tool to Transform Your Career Reflections
This is where coaching can become a transformative tool. By working with a coach, you can:
🔍 Reflect on Your Triggers: What is it about the “mirror” that brings up these feelings of insecurity? Are these real limitations or are they perceived ones? Through coaching, you can dive deeper into these triggers, understand where they stem from, and identify actionable steps to manage them more effectively.
💡 Rediscover with Your Strengths & Unique Value: When faced with “mirrors” that reflect back our doubts, it’s easy to forget your unique strengths and value. A coach can help you recalibrate and remember the contributions that make you irreplaceable, whether in your current role or in the next phase of your career.
🤔 Stay Curious and Open: Sometimes, “mirrors” provide uncomfortable but valuable lessons. Through coaching, you can stay curious and assess whether the feedback reflects a real opportunity for growth. This isn’t about questioning your worth but about staying open to learning and development in a way that serves you.
Managing a “Mirror” or Knowing When to Leave
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a “mirror” can create a toxic work environment that is too damaging to endure. Coaching can help you:
🔍 Set Clear Criteria for Leaving: Define the key indicators that signal when a situation has crossed the line from challenging to toxic. This might include the impact on your mental health, your ability to grow, or a lack of support from leadership. Once these criteria are met, you’ll feel more empowered to make the difficult decision to leave.
🤝 Garner Support to Manage a “Mirror”: Identify allies—whether they are other leaders, mentors, colleagues, or coaches—who can provide support and guidance. Sometimes, external perspectives can help you navigate the situation more effectively or reframe the way you view the “mirror.”
Reflection Questions to Consider
If you’re navigating a challenging work environment or struggling with self-doubt, here are some questions you can reflect on:
What are my biggest triggers at work?
Which “mirrors” in my career have reflected doubts or insecurities back to me?
How have I typically reacted to these reflections?
What is one area of my professional life where I feel undervalued? How can I take steps to remind myself of my unique strengths?
Am I open to feedback from a “mirror,” and how can I use it constructively?
Who are the “windows,” “doors,” or “keys” in my career that I can lean on for support or advice?
Have I set boundaries or criteria for when it’s time to leave a toxic environment, and do I have a support system in place to help me through it?
These questions are a starting point to help you navigate your journey with more self-awareness and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Navigating “mirrors” in your career can be difficult, especially as a woman of colour. But by engaging in self-reflection and seeking guidance through coaching, you can transform even the most challenging situations into catalysts for growth.
If you’re ready to explore how coaching can help you turn these experiences into opportunities for progress, I would love to be part of your journey. Feel free to arrange a free consultation to discuss your unique goals and existing challenges.
Let's chart your path to success together. 💫
