CoP: Life Coach (Session 1)

Divine Intervention brought me to this class. Or was it The Secret? Or Moses? Either way, I decided to look at the calendar 15 minutes before my Business Building class started, and I saw another option: Communities of Practice (CoP): Life Coach. I knew that I printed the materials a while ago, but I don’t remember really reading it (skimming/glancing/perusing: yes, reading/absorbing: no). I decided to call in.

I announced my Win - my first client starting next week! Bill (the amazing teacher - he’s so energetic and enthusiastic, it’s easy to enjoy the class) asked about my niche and who I’m working with. I said “Um…artists and performers and stuff?” although much more articulately (I think). Another student piped up that she’d like to get my info, as she’s a painter and looking for a Peer Coach. Bill arranged for us to speak after class wrapped up.

However, it turns out that this class is exclusively coaching/being coached/listening.  Someone is the coach, someone is the coachee, and someone else provides feedback. That’s done twice and then the class is over. So, of course, the first coach is…….

…Me!

I can’t take credit because I was cowering in the corner, trying not to breathe or make a sound that can be picked up by my phone mic, when The Painter spoke up and asked if I could coach her for the class. I’m so grateful that she made me (that will be my grateful piece at the end of this post, so don’t be surprised)! I was so, so nervous and figured I’d make a big jerkface of myself in front of the class, and waste  everyone’s time. I think I’m still hung up on the fact that I’ve slacked off on my classes and homework lately. I’ve also stopped hearing Joanne’s voice in my head, and that helped me so much the last time that I did a mock coaching in class. I knew I was on my own.

And, on my own, I was pretty darn awesome if I can be egotistical and obnoxious about it. I really felt so, so good about this session that I’m not so scared to take on my new client next week. Most of my fear and anxiety slipped away. It was just me, and my client, and actively listening. I wasn’t worried about what to say next, or saying the right thing, or being “perfect”.  Don’t get me wrong - I still have so much to learn! But getting this high from coaching is making me feel very at ease that this is what I should be doing now, and my 5 year plan to get out of my job and support myself as a coach might actually, really, truly come to fruition. And that’s so exciting that I’m actually getting teary-eyed right now.

Just so I always remember, and I can come back to it when I’m back to thinking I’m a big stinky jerkface, I’m going to post the feedback that I received today:

* I heard what wasn’t being said very quickly

* I was both nurturing and supportive

* I was good at feeding back what I heard (OK, so maybe Joanne still is in my head!) and having The Painter clarify what was said

*I handled the fact that there were personal issues that I couldn’t get into, which must have been challenging

* I should discuss reframing with the client if there was more time

* I’m more than ready to start coaching 

(Big sigh). I know that ICA stays away from the criticism and focuses on the positive, but that felt really good today. I can’t wait to start with my client next week!

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I’m grateful for being pushed into a scary, wonderful experience. It’s kind of amazing what happens when you just open your mouth and talk about what you’re doing.