Should Mavericks ONLY work with other Mavericks?

Should Mavericks ONLY work with other Mavericks? Or more specifically Socialised Maverick coaches and mentors?

This is a frequent question and one that I have pondered deeply. Especially when I meet a Maverick that is struggling to achieve their goals or have slipped into a low level depression due to losing a sense of who they are, and what they want to do. Some of these Mavericks are working with a Conformist coach or mentor. However, their goal progression remains slow or inconsequential, or their spirits haven't been lifted, and they still don't know what they want to do. This is despite the professional help that the coach or mentor is providing.

Why is that?

Part of the reason is a simple one. Like works well with like.

That isn't to say that highly skilled Conformists can't work with Mavericks. Of course they can.

Especially when the need is for a sounding board, a good questioner for you to reflect with. An idea generator not necessarily being needed. Conformist coaches who are at the top of their game will work well with Mavericks, in these circumstances.

However, in my experience and observations of Mavericks seeking professional assistance to move forward, Conformist coaches tend to lead to frustration and the 'holding back' of the Maverick.

Why don't Conformist coaches and mentors work well with Mavericks?

This requires a multi-faceted response, and requires a much deeper explanation, than I will elaborate today! Suffice to say the following are good reasons why Mavericks struggle with their Conformist advisers:

• Conformists do not understand the Maverick mindset.
• They do not challenge the Maverick sufficiently
• They secretly believe that what the Maverick wants to achieve is impossible
• They do not collaborate with the Maverick, and either are subservient to them or mistakenly seek to dominate (hint: this will NOT work!)
• The Maverick secretly believes that they are more intelligent than the coach or mentor and therefore doubts any solutions being proffered
• Mavericks prefer to be mentored rather than be coached, and not everyone has this skill

When a Maverick needs help what should they do?

• Firstly they need to take the emotion out of the situation so that they can think clearly.
• Decide whether they need a subject matter expert or someone that is an expert in looking at things from a maverick perspective
• Gather the right resources around them - which may include a maverick mentor or consultant
• Whoever or whatever they choose to assist them, it/they need to be challenging, supportive and enable to compliment and understand the maverick nature

What you need to know

All Mavericks perform best when their Maverick KEYSTONE Capabilities™ are in balance. These are:

• Knowledge
• Emotional awareness
• Your Vision
• Self-efficacy
• Trust
• Objectivity
• Networkability
• Engagement

When these are in balance, then any goal they want to achieve becomes more possible.