I signed up for this course to be challenged, inspired, and motivated. So far, it has exceeded all my expectations. The course is well structured, and the learning material is easy to understand. Dr. Haris is very knowledgeable and generous with examples.
I realized that my awareness of others expands with every day. I know that every one of us has something to work on. No one is one hundred percent content. Humans are always searching for the answers, and our job as coaches is to help them find those answers in the most profound way possible.
Now more than ever, I am aware of the power of words and the endless possibilities to go to the core of every situation that one might find themselves in. The greatest lesson for me so far is that it is very easy to connect with others if we stop judging and start accepting people for who they truly are.
CTA training is the best thing that I’ve done for myself at a given moment. It’s opening my eyes to what I want to do in the future. I feel that coaching others is a path that I want to take. I want to truly empower people and touch their lives to the very core to help them unlock their true potential and achieve what they really want.
During ten days, we covered many topics I would like to reflect on.
CTA Program rules
I learned that creating a safe space where trust can be developed is essential while working with a client. To do so, we need to follow ground rules, which are as follows: reflection, psychological safety, and Unconditional positive regard. If those are not in place, the client will likely not open up, and the session is set for failure. Following those rules will help me create the best environment for my client.
Discovery session
A discovery session will be carried out the first time the coach meets the client. The purpose of this session is to get to know the client and his expectations towards coaching; it will allow the coach to understand overall whether the client can be coached. If yes, the coaching process is explained, and the first session is scheduled.
Asking the right questions
During the session, the coach should never make suggestions to his client. The client can only make decisions by himself, and as coaches, we achieve that by asking the right questions. This has a tremendous effect and can alter clients’ perceptions in a second.
During the workshops, I realized how difficult it is to just listen and ask short questions rather than give suggestions. This is something I’ll have to work on.
Reflection
I have learned that reflecting on what the client is saying is essential so that both parties understand what is being discussed and agree on the focus areas. I will apply this learning in my personal life when dealing with my spouse or friends. I’ve noticed that sometimes, while listening to others, I understand what they’re saying, and quite often, I make the wrong assumption. To avoid that – reflect.
The wheel of life
The wheel of life is a powerful tool for the client to understand which area of his life needs the most improvement. This tool is used in the first session. It is straightforward to use. The client is asked to choose the area of focus, rate it (where he is at the current moment vs where he wants to be), and an action plan is developed. To do so, the client is asked to set smart, measurable, achievable goals. It is a great tool to use as it allows for the structure of the sessions to be built.
This learning gave me a “bird view “of my life.
The practical part of the training was what I enjoyed the most. It is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what we have been taught and apply this knowledge on the spot. I love how inspiring all my peers are and how much I can learn from every single one of them.
