I am sure many of you have been on a plane journey whether it’s for business or pleasure. I have never been trained as a Pilot but when you take your assigned seat you probably don’t give a second thought to whether the Pilot is trained has filed a proper flight plan and knows how to get to the destination. Usually, your Pilot has already filed a flight plan, clearly marking out the point of departure and the destination. You buckle up, trusting the Pilot will get you safely to where you’re headed. Whilst the destination is clear the journey to it is not always smooth or direct. Throughout the flight, various factors like weather conditions, other air traffic, or unexpected turbulence might force adjustments, yet the Pilot’s focus (and probably the autopilot) never wavers from the destination. Leadership Coaching works much the same way.
At the start of a coaching session, I —like an experienced Pilot—will first help you clearly define your destination. I have undertaken extensive training to refine my skills and understand how to create a safe place for you to be coached. Whatever your reason for engaging a coach, you might be seeking clarity on career goals, developing leadership skills, or navigating a complex decision. Whatever your intended outcome, it’s something as your coach I need to have clarity on to enable me to help you get to your desired destination.
Once your coaching outcome is clear, the journey begins. Along the way, I will help you navigate unforeseen obstacles and adjust your course as needed, always maintaining the focus on your goal. I will do this primarily through insightful questions, deep listening, and at times, strategic silence, enabling you to find your own clarity and insight. The only goal that has any importance is yours and my task is to stay focused and present for you throughout the session to help you get to your destination.
The Coaching Journey
Any skilled coach should help you navigate your journey using various leadership development tools such as:
- Active Listening: –
Being fully present is key. Your coach should be with you in the moment not thinking about what to ask you next but allowing the conversation to develop organically. It takes energy to remain in the moment fully concentrating, understanding, and thoughtfully responding but is key to gaining understanding of your journey.
- Powerful Questions:-
There needs to be almost a childlike quality to the curiosity of your coach. I am always fascinated how a good question designed to provoke thought, inspire deeper understanding, and prompt insight can open up and bring clarity to you.
- Reflection and Mirroring:-
Your initial response will be at the top of your mind, a skilled coach will continue to drill deeper by reflecting back your thoughts and helping you see clearly the implications of your actions, beliefs, and perspectives.
- Goal Clarification:-
Things can and do change during the session. As your coach I look as much at what is not being said as what is. You may have some measure of clarity on your goals but by regularly revisiting and refining your intended outcomes they can be further developed and refined so they align with who you are.
- Holding Accountability:-
Most of the leaders I coach will tell me that setting goals is not the problem but implementing them is. Holding the space for you and clearly establishing your commitment is key to my support and challenge to you to take action toward your goals.
- Creating Space:-
The temptation is to fill the spaces with noise. As a skilled coach I have learnt the empowering benefits of an extended pause. Allowing silence and pauses gives you the freedom to explore your thoughts and feelings thoroughly. This is when I find the real work is done as you reflect on the question and go deeper into your unconscious mind.
Just as passengers trust their Pilot, you can trust your coach to help guide you safely to your intended destination, no matter how turbulent the journey. As a coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation you have the assurance that I am trained to coach you to achieve your best results.
Are you curious to see how coaching can help you chart a clear course to your goals? Consider a complimentary taster coaching session and experience firsthand how a dedicated guide can move you closer to where you truly want to be. Book here.
