Branching Out - March, 2010
Sent Monday, March 1, 2010View as plaintext
Branching Out - March, 2010
» Thought
I can spot a new coach a mile away. Truly. You know how? It's not because of anything they do. It's what they *don't* do.
Most new coaches don't realize that silence in a coaching session, far from being a BAD thing, is actually a GREAT thing! Lots of them tell me they feel that if they leave too much "down time" in a conversation that the client might think they're unqualified or inexperienced. Ironically, the opposite is true.
Clients need time and space to make connections. To "wrap their brains" around new perspectives and concepts. Sometimes, even just to jot something down. Know that when you provide that space, very often, clients don't even sense time passing, because they're engrossed in their own development.
So the next time you're tempted to jump back in and "help" the client, or assume that a break in the conversation means it's time to move it along, allow for space. Sit back and wait. Trust that the client knows what to say next and will do so when (s)he is good and ready.
» Exercise
In each of your next three client sessions, watch for a moment when you sense a "lull' in the conversation. Take this opportunity to dial up your self-management skills and count to ten before jumping back in the fray. See what happens. Chances are, your client will appreciate the extra space and might even share the gem that occurred to them in the interim!
» About Coaching Tree
Coaching Tree was founded in 2004 to serve your needs as a coach as
you progress through training, prepare for certification, and launch
your business to new heights. The Coaching Tree
is an alliance of independent Certified Professional Co-Active Coaches
(CPCCs). We are passionately dedicated to your success as you evolve
through coach training and certification.
» Questions?
Don't hesitate to hit the reply button to any of the messages you receive.
Add Us To Your Address Book
To help ensure that you receive all email messages consistently in
your inbox with images displayed, please add this address to your
address book or contacts list: communications@
coachingtree.com.
Topic Idea?
We'd love to hear it! Just reply any
time and let us know what you'd like to know more about.
Return to Archive
Don't hesitate to hit the reply button to any of the messages you receive.
