As professionally trained coaches, we learn the important coaching skill of acknowledging the client for their “work” in the coaching process. However Acknowledging as a Coaching Skill has broader application, as defined in five of the ICF Core Competencies which...
Category: U #6 – Listens Actively
Focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of the client systems and to support client self-expression.
Coaching self-talk
As coaches, we often support clients, through our non-judgmental listening, observations and questions, to become aware of what they are saying to themselves about themselves and their circumstances. This is commonly referred to as “self-talk.” There are circumstances in life...
Whose perspective is it anyway?
As a result of questions a coach asks, or observations a coach offers, clients will often say something like; “I’ve never thought of ‘it’ (my situation or myself) in that way before.” “That’s a different way for me to look...
Coaching client non-verbal information
As coaches, there are many things to be listening for as a client speaks, more than their words alone. This article explores some of the non-verbal communication to pay attention to, often also called client “somatic” information. Non-verbal information can...
Train like an Olympian
The Winter Olympic Games 2022 have been underway for about 11 days so far, with about 5 days remaining. Every 4 years feels like a treasure chest to me, watching the best athletes in the world compete against each other...
Jigsaw piece listening
Near the beginning of a coaching session, the coach will ask the client something like, “What would you like to focus on today in this session?” The coach then listens and engages with the client to clarify what they say,...
Butterfly on the Wall Coaching Series
Have you ever wanted to be a "butterfly" on the wall hanging out (inconspicuously, of course) while an experienced coach is coaching their client? Here's a very rare, unique opportunity to get an insider's peek into the real relationship...
Coaching emotions and feelings
Have you noticed that your emotions, and the emotions of others, are "raw" in 2020? I imagine you'd think that is a silly question. Yes, of course! That emotions are raw is no surprise as we are globally in circumstances that...
Ways a coach shares a statement
As coaches, we have two key categories of coaching skills we engage in every coaching session; one primary “tool of trade” is asking questions, and mostly open-ended questions to allow for client self-discovery. Another set of “tools” is the variety...
The Life Gym of Coaching Skills Training
To say that we are living in unprecedented life circumstances is an understatement. The coronavirus has impacted all of us, including all of my family, friends, and clients, no matter where in the world they live. We are all grappling...