For a long time, “coach” was a title I saw thrown around, but its true essence remained a mystery. My own experiences with coaching left me wanting more. These past two days, however, have been a revelation. Coaching, I’ve discovered, is an art – a craft honed through skills, guidelines, and a commitment to creating a safe space for self-discovery.
A Shift in Perspective: From Mentor to Guide
Embracing coaching has completely transformed my approach. Instead of defaulting to telling people what to do, I’ve learned to harness the power of listening and guiding others towards their own solutions. This shift has reinvigorated my mentoring and teaching style, and I’m fully embracing this new mindset.
Learning from Each Other: A Collaborative Journey
The diverse experiences and knowledge of my colleagues enriched the training. While I initially felt a gap in understanding, I realized the value of continuous learning. The “conscious competence” concept resonated deeply. I’ve been stuck in this phase, yearning to move beyond simply accumulating knowledge. Now, I understand the importance of applying and integrating this knowledge. The concept of “unconscious incompetence” – “we don’t know what we don’t know” – is a humbling reminder to stay curious and open to growth.
The Power of Partnership: Redefining Coaching
“Coaching is a partnership” struck a chord. This collaborative approach starkly contrasts my previous, one-sided coaching experiences. The emphasis on planning, contracting, and ethical guidelines underscores the professionalism and responsibility inherent in coaching. These elements could have been more present in my past experiences, highlighting the importance of a structured approach.
Active Listening in Action: Setting the Stage for Success
The coaching steps – planning, contracting, and evaluation – opened my eyes. My own coaching experience lacked a clear focus and goal setting. Learning the importance of pre-session planning and tailoring questions to the client’s learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) empowers me to create a more effective coaching environment.
From SMART to SMARTER: Goals with Impact
The concept of SMARTER goals adds a potent dimension to goal setting. It extends beyond mere achievement to foster a feeling of motivation and fulfillment.
The Wheel of Life: Self-Discovery Through Reflection
The Wheel of Life exercise was both familiar and eye-opening. I had used it before as a client, but this time, facilitating it revealed areas where my “mentor” side took over. The valuable feedback I received exposed the places where I need to develop my coaching skills, focusing less on direction and more on facilitating reflection. This exercise’s versatility for personal and business coaching applications is an exciting takeaway.
The Art of Powerful Questions: Guiding Self-Awareness
Being coached by Haris was a transformative experience. The safe space he created and his skillful questioning allowed me to delve deeper into myself. He helped me uncover desires I hadn’t even acknowledged and empowered me to develop solutions. This experience underscored the importance of asking the right questions and fostering a secure environment.
Client Readiness: A Prerequisite for Growth
The role-playing exercise where I acted as a coach underscored the importance of client readiness. For coaching to be successful, clients need to be open to the self-discovery journey, willing to invest their time and vulnerability. It’s crucial for them to acknowledge the need for change and be open to exploring solutions. This understanding is key for any coach to be effective.
The Power of Inquiry: Beyond Easy Answers
For me, asking powerful questions has been the biggest challenge. The library of questions being built throughout the training is a valuable resource. This leads me to wonder if clients should be introduced to the coaching process and its goals during the agreement stage. Many might prefer a quick fix over the potentially uncomfortable journey of self-discovery. Sharing these challenges fosters empathy and connection among us as colleagues.
A Dynamic Learning Environment: Fostering Growth
The training sessions immerse us so profoundly that it feels like time just slips away! The interactive and creative activities strengthen our bonds, creating connections and providing us with exceptional shared learning experiences.
Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Transformation
Coaching is an art that demands time and dedication to perfect. The refined professionalism I observe often conceals the necessary profound understanding and self-awareness. This journey has been transformative for me, brimming with personal growth and learning. There’s still so much to learn, but the most thrilling part is the ongoing personal transformation.
