Coaching Presence 301
This week we explore the PCC/MCC distinctions between Statements with Partnership (using distinctions around Direct Communication) and Coaching Presence. A key learning from exploring the MCC approach to Coaching Presence is that coaches need to trust that the client is the expert in the session and that the coach does not need all of the details of the client’s agenda/situation. We will be exploring this as part of our live practice session (details below).
Coaching the Unknown
As coaches continue to build their coaching skills, they continue to find themselves in deeper sessions where they need to be able to coach ambiguous agendas. A client will always know more about the topic they present for the coaching session. While the coach could spend time better understanding the situation the client is bringing to the session, that time is best spent supporting the client’s own exploration while the coach trusts the client and uses their language to facilitate meaningful exploration.
For our practice session, you will need to be ready to “coach the trainer” (2-3 questions each) in an agenda where clear details will not provided. We will likely pause from time to time during the main session and have extra time to discuss the concept of “Not Knowing.” With this being the case, we may have abbreviated breakout sessions where only agenda setting is practiced. In your breakout sessions, think of an agenda you would like to use as the practice client where you could talk things out abstractly. Even if you have to use an agenda from a previous time in your life, we want everyone to practice coaching when the session feels ambiguous.