Scaffolding

Sometimes we need something that’s just out of reach. With a little bit of help, we can get to it.

To reach higher and make sustainable change, we need more support.

Scaffolding is used in construction to lift workers to heights that otherwise couldn’t be safely reached and enable them to do work for a sustained period. When the work is done, the scaffolding is moved aside. Sometimes a ladder will do; sometimes just someone with longer arms.

The term “scaffolding” is used in learning theory to describe a process where more support is provided when a concept or skill is first introduced, then the support is reduced and moved to a new focus, with each stage building on the one before.

So how do we find the right amount of lift at the right time in our work and in our lives?

Someone a little taller

If I need a glass from the top shelf and it’s just a little out of reach, I’ll ask my husband to grab it.

Sometimes if a friend or colleague has easy access to something we need, it’s ok to just ask. Maybe it’s an article you know they have handy to save you the trouble of Googling it. Maybe it’s borrowing a pen or sending notes from a meeting you missed. Small act, easy to do. But if you’re having to ask for the same small favor over and over again, maybe something needs to change. If I need my husband to get me a glass every time I want a drink, I should probably rearrange my cabinets.

A leg up

Sometimes, when that first step is a little much, what we need is a leg up. Like getting on a horse. Full disclosure: I haven’t been on a horse in over 40 years, but I know I stepped in someone’s cupped hands to get my foot in the stirrup. A quick bit of help, but when it was done, I was elevated to where I wanted to be.

 What are the leg-up situations we face in work and in life? It could be asking a colleague to watch you dry run a big presentation. It could be a pep talk after an argument with a partner. It’s an investment of time and energy, but it’s situational and occasional. Just as the riding instructor doesn’t walk around with cupped hands waiting for me to want to get on the horse, these ad hoc moments of support come and go as they’re needed.

A ladder

If I need to change a lightbulb in the ceiling or hang Christmas lights, I’m not asking for a leg up. It would be unsafe and, uncomfortable and unsustainable. A sturdy ladder that’s the right height is what I need.

What are the ladders that support us in other aspects of our lives? It could be a supportive boss who consistently looks for opportunities to challenge you and provide visibility so you can excel. Or a friend and colleague who shares opportunities and provides helpful feedback without being asked. The opportunity arises, the ladder comes out, I climb a rung or many, and am appreciative of the support.

Scaffolding

So, that leaves us with scaffolding. I’ve never actually been on scaffolding, but my husband who was a painting contractor is an expert. Scaffolding comes in pieces so you can make it the right height and shape to fit the job you need to do. It is both sturdy and flexible. It’s often used for big jobs so is meant to stay in place for a while – you do not want to putting it up and taking it down at the start and end of each day. And when the support is no longer needed, it’s removed.

What’s the scaffolding in our lives? It could be family, close friends, or your personal board of directors. For me, I have a couple of cohorts – my “Betsy’s” (a group of amazing women with whom I shared an intense and transformational leadership development program); my “Cherry Blossoms” (the wonderful humans who I shared my coach training journey with). They are always at the ready, able to reposition and adjust to provide as much support as I need for as long as I need. A professional coach can be scaffolding as well. I provide my clients a safe place to accomplish what they need. I am here for them and they decide when and how I serve them.

Where do you get your lift?

I invite you to think about the times you need help reaching what you want. Who are the long arms, legs up, ladders and scaffolding in your life? Are you making the best use of them and do they know what they mean to you?