Where did my curiosity for coaching come about?
I have my working career to thank. We were taught John Whitmore's GROW model early on in our leadership training. My connection with my first ever coach via The 7 Effect was where I experienced the power of having a coach believe in you and support you. I loved the personal changes I was able to make from being coached. It just continued to grow from there.
What is coaching?
Interestingly in conversations coaching seems to be mentioned mostly in work situations and be a skill that is a bit mystical. I use it as any other life skill. I can use it at work, home, or more importantly on myself. For me, it is a way of being rather than a formal process of lets coach someone right now. It can help in all life situations, talking with others having a coaching mindset has even helped them in their interview process.
I love words and language and my journey on becoming a better human and giving that gift to others (specifically my children, “it's not what I leave to them, but what I leave in them”) I believe led me to want to add coaching in my tool kit.
So, what is coaching, could it just be improving lives through conversation. That conversation may need a few other elements, it must be effective, contain thought-provoking questions, a coach who is compassionate & curious, have an element of trust between the parties involved, self-awareness, super listening skills, see the potential in others, etc. These coaching conversations are less about giving advice and more about giving someone space to make their own connections and explore their own learnings. As Michael Bungay Stanier’s books recommend, can you tame your advice monster and be humble and stay curious just that little bit longer.
“The best advice comes from people who don’t give advice.” Matthew McConaughey
Benefits of a coaching mindset
One of the benefits I believe of having a coaching mindset is the focus on the “how”, how can you make a difference, choose a different path and take action. It allows you to unpack this and make the connections for yourself. “Coaching encourages taking responsibility for your own freedom.” Michael Bungay Stanier.
Another is the accountability piece, it gives you that extra motivation that you may need to get moving.
Could it also be that having that conversation with a coach who has this belief in you and shows you the potential you have in yourself? “Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.” Germany Kent
Conclusion
I have heard parents say, wouldn’t it be nice in school if we have subjects like teaching children about money, or growth mindset etc., may be wrapped up in that could also be learning about a coaching philosophy. I believe some of these topics are happening – I can hear the evidence via conversations with my school children. How powerful could our relationships be if we have more of a coaching mindset and all stay curious that little bit longer?
“You can tell whether a person is clever by their answers. You can tell whether a person is wise by their questions.” Naguib Mahfouz
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