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So, how much can you accomplish in a 5 minute session? If you were like me, you’d immediately think “Nothing.” Can you even figure out what the client is talking about in 5 minutes?
Yes. You can.
Today we had 5 5-min “laser” sessions. I like that term “laser session” - it’s fast yet focused and can blow stuff up. That last bit started out as a joke but it’s true! I was the client this time around and my coach “blew up” my situation so I can change my perspective. She helped me see why I was doing what I was doing and, more importantly, reframe it so I can move through it. Pretty explosive stuff.
While some sessions went better than others, every single one helped move the client forward. I like to think that these 5 minutes can help to open the door. Then, when the phone call has been dropped, it’s up to the client to walk through that very door and see what’s on the other side.
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I’m grateful today for Claritin, even though it’s not working very well.
Reflection
What kinds of things from the past assist a person with coaching? That person’s “biography” assists them with coaching. By “biography” I guess I mean past experiences. These can be measurable (I graduated from NYU with a Masters Degree) or intangible (I’m the friend that people come to because I listen), but either way they’re what makes you a great coach!
What kinds of things from the present assist a person with coaching? Discovering - and recognizing - your strengths can assist with coaching. Relying on being a great listener or an enthusiastic, optimistic person can keep you on that track of being a great coach. Also, testimonials from past clients are not only useful for unsigned clients, but great for your ego!
What makes YOU a great choice as a coach? I discovered my Top 10 strengths in the last homework assignment that I did, and I think they all help me be a great coach: humorous, optimistic, enthusiastic, passionate, great listener, caring / empathetic, supportive, down-to-earth, driven, fun. I also know that my particular path - pursuing my passion (acting) for almost 10 years and being brave enough to stop pounding the pavement and find something else I love - will help those that I coach.
What difference would it make to your confidence level to have a great sounding biography that truly represents you well. I wrote my bio a while ago, and I remember thinking, “Wow! I am qualified to do this!” Before then, it was “I’m not ready, I don’t know what I’m doing.” Looking at my bio I know that without ICA I’d be a good coach (just trusting my skills & experience), but with it I’d be an excellent coach!
In what different ways could a good biography be promoted? A bio is a main part on your website, especially when you aren’t meeting many of your clients face-to-face. It can also be promoted on your blog as well as any seminars and engagements that you are involved in.
What kind of impact could some solid testimonials have on your confidence level and in getting clients? Testimonials are a solid ego boost! Since they’re coming directly from your clients, it’s solid proof that you helped that particular person. I’ve only coached 1 client for 2 sessions, and after the 2nd she sent me an email saying “You’re a great coach and you’ve helped me a lot!” That took a lot of the you’re-doing-it-wrong thoughts out of my head. In regards to getting clients, a testimonial is like a referral as well as insight into how you can help someone. It can also showcase your personality, depending on what the client says (ie “Michelle is so enthusing that I felt like I had my very own cheerleader!”), and gives the unsigned client a vote of confidence to move forward with working with you.
To what extent does your self-doubt to be able to coach serve your client? I think it helps you strive to be better. I know that, as a perfectionist, I’m hyper aware of what I’m doing wrong and try to correct it. If I felt extremely secure I might stop trying to learn.
What is the most likely result, when you have your attention on yourself and your own doubts about coaching, during a particular coaching session? Your client will get nothing out of the session if you focus on yourself! I keep my perfectionism in line when I coach (or I try my best to), and don’t beat myself up when I do something that’s a no-no (ie giving advice or sharing an experience without asking). If I didn’t, I’d be watching every word too carefully and wouldn’t have my full attention on my clients.
Without further training, what are the top three ways you could contribute and support someone in getting what they want? Enthusing, reframing, and being an active listener.
Who do you know who feels completely free to coach? What is their perspective? What is yours? The only coach I’ve ever worked with was my Peer Coach, and while I don’t know how she feels on the inside, she seems very un-self-conscious on the outside. Even when she loses her thought or can’t find what to say next, she’ll acknowledge it, let it sit, and then move forward. I hope to also not put such pressure on myself to fill every silence, or come up with every response. I know I’m still scared of the silence, and the feeling of “How am I going to fill 45 minutes? Will there be enough to say?”
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