Statements with Partnership 201
This week we are diving back into the concept of offering direct statements as a coach. My challenge to you is to practice brevity and impact in your language whether in your in-session breakout rooms or in your every day conversations. Take time to consider how much space you fill in your side of the conversation. This drive for more efficient and effective language is a lifelong pursuit. This week is just another step in the journey. Be ready to provide feedback to one another as we focus on practice.
While we have already reviewed the specific PCC Markers that relate to offering direct statements (observations, intuitions, challenges, etc.) with partnership as a coach, it is critical that coaches embody the Coach Mindset as part of every question and (especially) statement we offer. Now is a good time to explore the second Core Competency in more detail.
Embodies a Coaching Mindset—Develops and maintains a mindset that is open, curious, flexible and client-centered.
1. Acknowledges that clients are responsible for their own choices
2. Engages in ongoing learning and development as a coach
3. Develops an ongoing reflective practice to enhance one’s coaching
4. Remains aware of and open to the influence of context and culture on self and others
5. Uses awareness of self and one’s intuition to benefit clients
6. Develops and maintains the ability to regulate one’s emotions
7. Mentally and emotionally prepares for sessions
8. Seeks help from outside sources when necessary
https://coachfederation.org/core-competencies
To summarize: Competency 2 is the ICF’s way of communicating that coaches need to act and live as coaches. In and out of our coaching sessions, we should be asking ourselves if we are holding ourselves to the high standards of coaching as we exercise our coaching skills and seek to serve our clients more effectively in each session and even each input we offer in a session.
Ongoing Development
The following video was one of the most impactful TED talks for me over the past decade. Consider how everything Benjamin Zander says can be applied to coaching. Our language is our instrument. Every time we coach is an opportunity to improve the “impulses.”
Remember, EVERYONE wants to be coached! (some just haven’t found out about it yet…)