Thought-provoking Conversation
Let’s sit with the International Coaching Federations definition of coaching. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential”.
Pondering the thought-provoking conversation piece. Sounds so simple, and yet in the simple is the profound skill to provide trust and safety for clients. These are conversations that, with engagement and trust, allows the client to explore beneath the waterline of hopes and dreams that will maximize their personal and professional potential.
How do coaches cultivate such a space for their clients? Some thoughts:
- Be respectful of timing. Silence is a gift afforded to our clients as they reflect on their dreams, aspirations and goals.
- Learn to be comfortable in silence. Silence is not a weapon to be used to get a client to talk, it is instead a time to respectfully offer, for our clients, the opportunity to think, reflect and dream.
- Be affirming of the client’s strengths, thoughts and dreams.
- Reflect what you hear the client stating, both verbally and implied. Go below the waterline in your affirmations and astute reflections, being mindful of not inserting your agenda.
- Ask open ended questions that draw forth a client’s insight and depth of understanding. Leave your agenda out of the conversation.
Thought-provoking conversations are powerful. It is client centered and focused. It is client driven. It is respectful. It is coaching.
Are you ready to begin your journey of becoming a Life Coach?
