by Karen Boskemper, PCC, co-leader of The Mentor Coaching Group Seven years ago when we moved into our current neighborhood, I was given an orchid as a house warming present. I remember distinctly thinking, “Well THAT’s not going to last...
Category: Coaching Mentoring Tips
Trust in the coaching process, and do the Tango!
Working with our coaching clients often takes an act of faith and trusting in the coaching process, which we know can produce amazing results if we let go of controlling how the coaching session goes. If I’m consulting, then I’m...
Learning-inspired Questions and Creating Awareness
For those of you who know The Target Approach, you’ll know that I consider the ICF Core Competency of Creating Awareness to be an “Output” competency, because it is a result or output of some of the other core competencies...
Follow your client down their yellow brick road…
Last month, I watched an updated movie version of the American classic book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (called The Wiz Live! on NBC). This book was immortalized in a movie classic in 1939 with Judy Garland cast as Dorothy....
Coach the Emotional Content of your Client
One of the most powerful distinctions I can offer coaches I’m mentoring toward MCC skill level, is to coach the whole human being (the Who) and especially the emotional content of their client. Emotion is what drives us as human...
How to lighten up and create more energy with your coaching client
Coaching is serious business! Companies hire coaches to get results by working with their people to improve their performance and grow professionally. Individuals hire coaches because they want a better or different result in one or more aspects of their...
Directive versus Direct Communication
I’ve been pondering what direct communication means, in terms of a coaching skill set and notice that direct is different than being directive. So I thought I’d explore the distinction between direct and directive and see what can be uncovered!...
Coaching Ethics – know when you are crossing a line
As part of a regular three year review process, the ICF updated their Code of Ethics in June 2015. There were some significant changes made, including in the language used. Here is a statement from the ICF, and you can...
Creating a Coaching Development Plan
Note: This article has been updated in 2023. As an Executive Coach, I’m often involved in a robust upfront process that supports my client to create their Development Plan for our overall coaching engagement. This aligns with ICF Core Competency...
Target these Competencies for Client Success!
Let’s face it; there’s nothing like receiving some acknowledgement to make you feel good! As coaches and mentors, listening for what we can genuinely acknowledge in our client is an essential skill, one that builds trust and supports the client...