I know that this is so important that I put these classes on my calendar weeks ago! I’m looking forward to the day where I can have my very own unique coaching model - a visual representation (and reminder!) of my coaching process. And now that I’m starting on my 2nd client hopefully I can get better insight into how I actually coach! I definitely know what’s important to me (sense of excitement, active listening, celebration, encouragement, passion) and what makes me different (sense of humor, enthusiastic) but I can’t wait to really dissect it and put it down in a cohert way. I’m picturing printing it up and framing it above my desk! Well, when I get a desk that is.

I thought that the best part of this class was when Jim asked us, right at the top, to define coaching. Or rather, “How do you define coaching?” I was the first to respond (was it my elevator speech talking?), remarking “It’s helping a client close the gap between where they are and where they want to be.” For others coaching was about “crafting a unique strategy and approach for each client to lead to their self-discovery” or “two people coming together, having a dialogue & interacting as they seek to look for answers, inspiration, and insight.” It was really eye-opening to see that there wasn’t ONE definition of coaching. Everyone gets their own!

I immediately wanted to add to my definition. It’s not only about closing the gap between point A and point B, but about:

* discovering the client’s values

* clarifying what the client wants for themselves

* actively listening, questioning, supporting, & encouraging

* allowing the client to see a new perspective on things

* challenging the client to act

* following up & offering feedback

* celebrating!

How can you wrap that up into one little coaching model?

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I’m grateful today for the wonderful feedback I got from Client A! It makes me giddy whenever I think about the things she said. I’m just glad I didn’t have to give her her money back