Coaching
Co-active coaching is based on the premise that clients are creative, resourceful and that they have all the solutions to their own challenges, issues, problems and dreams within them.
The purpose of the coach is to help you unlock your full potential. Co-active coaching is a non-directive method where the coach “stays out of the client’s way” to promote clear thought and uncover a deep connection with what is really at the heart of the matter.
Everyone is different and there is no “one size fits all” solution to life and the potential it offers. Co-active coaching recognises this and is not about following a model. Neither does the coach tell the client what to do nor how to proceed through either the coaching process or their own particular situation.
The process itself follows a very simple structure within which everything else is open. At the beginning of a session we will both create the working relationship. This will be based on three “contracting” questions we will ask to discover what you want:
- What is the subject of the coaching session?
- What outcome do you want from this session?
- What is my role in this process?
Although they look simple, these contracting questions will lead to other questions which will enable us to dig into what lies at the heart of the matter. This digging is a significant part of the coaching process and frequently, in the quest to discover the true questions, the answers are unveiled as well.
But the best way to understand how coaching works is to experience it first hand.
What is the subject of the coaching session?
The whole of the coaching process is based on the client setting the agenda. Our purpose together is to discuss an issue that is important to you. A subject as open as “growing my business” or “sorting out my stress” will lead to a more precise definition and enable us to pinpoint what it is exactly that you want to work on.
What outcome do you want from this session?
Again, this is a seemingly simple question, but certainly one of huge significance. Without a specific goal in mind our conversation will not have a direction or target to aim for. If we have no destination, how will we know when we have arrived?
What is my role in this process?
“To coach you” - of course. But what does that mean? The role of the coach can vary hugely from client to client - and even from session to session. Yes, I am here to help you - to question you, to discuss the subject that you bring to the table. But within those parameters there is wide scope as to how we can work together.
I am here to help you grow, to improve your situation to resolve the problems or challenges that you face. You might want a sparring partner or someone to challenge you, support you, comfort you, to raise the bar as you approach it or to help inspire creativity and new approaches. You might want all of these things and more, or you might just want a yardstick to keep you in check.
