In Session 5, I was truly taken aback by the unfolding powerful experiences. It’s the first time I’ve felt the need to take a step back and process everything before I can give it the thoughtful reflection it deserves. Despite this, I’m eager to share my initial, unfiltered thoughts as they arise.
On the fifth day of class, I really felt the cumulative effect of sleep deprivation (I wake up at the same time even though I go to sleep much later than usual). My anticipation and hope were that we would spend most of our time doing coaching, and I was not prepared for multiple hours of theory and discussion. While the topics were quite interesting and germane to coaching, I felt my concentration wander.
The Crucial Conversation was the theory that most resonated with me. As a coach, I frequently have to challenge clients’ behaviors and thought patterns as they progress toward their goals. I would like to continue to grow in how to most effectively and beneficially challenge and confront my clients. I agree with the trainer in the video that all healthy relationships allow complex topics to be explored.
And yet, I purposely edited my own thoughts in our class discussion about the dynamics between the doctor and the nurse. I am constantly balancing, sharing my contribution, and allowing space to hear the thoughts and perspectives of the other students. I shared some thoughts in this instance but needed to dive deeper into why I felt so strongly about the interaction. In 2024, those who possess greater power in workplace relationships need to be aware of how they exert that power over those with less power. A doctor and a nurse in a hospital do not have equal interactions. A doctor clearly has more power, so chewing a nurse out has a toxic impact on the larger hospital team. Leaders need to be sensitive to how they use their power. And power is to be used to build up and not tear down. (Of course, we are all human, and this incident could stimulate change and growth for all involved).
When it came time for coaching practice, both my partner and I were low energy. My partner asked me to coach, and I was happy to do so. Fortunately, she needed coaching in an area in which I have both passion and experience (I teach the topic to undergraduates at a local Thai university), and thus, we both experienced a shift in energy levels as we talked together and progressed toward her goals for the session.
As I shared in class, for me to “clear space” within myself, I deeply listen and invite other people in so that my focus and attention can be on them rather than me. I typically practice mindfulness when I wake up and then engage in some form of physical activity before meeting a client. Due to our very intensive (and intense) rapid learning schedule, I could not practice mindfulness or exercise yesterday. Yet, in the coaching session, I focused and concentrated on what the client was experiencing and communicating.
I am looking forward to Day Six, when we will delve even deeper into coaching practice. The anticipation for the next session is palpable, and I am eager to continue this learning journey with all of you.
