I felt a calling for deeper coaching. Eager and excited, I enrolled in Corporate Coach Academy to learn the mastery of coaching techniques and tools. Armed with this wonderful knowledge, I resumed my coaching journey….But alas! As I listened intently to my coachee’s problem, I was confused about how to apply my new knowledge. I could not find the words. I lost my hold on the conversation. The session became tedious and there was no clear outcome. Have you ever faced such a situation before?
I then realized that to be excellent in coaching, 3 fundamentals must exist. Firstly, formal coach learning for example; the competencies, models, techniques, and tools. Secondly, you need the skills on how to apply what you learned. Thirdly and most importantly, your desire to succeed should be driven by a clear purpose and fuelled by a burning passion.
Some people are gifted to be appreciative in their everyday life. So, applying these to coaching comes naturally to them. They are advantaged over those who have been hardwired over the years of not practising appreciation.
The real challenge is applying the head knowledge to real-life conversations. But why is it so challenging?
Here are 6 great tips that can help you accelerate your learning process.
1. PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE
Continuous and constant practice will make progress. Upskilling coaching is likened to learning how to play the guitar well. You know the chords but just need some guidance on the correct finger on which fret and string, and how hard to pull the strings to produce the best sounds. But to play a song smoothly after you have just learned the chords, surely, fumbling here and there is expected. Practise until you get it right.
2. HAVE AN OBSERVER
Consider having an observer in your sessions to give you feedback afterward. During the session, the coach may not realise his shortcomings. For example, setting the role and expectations really clear at the onset, using the right intonation in your voice, and your body language, and picking up keywords from the coachees’ stories. Little things can make a big difference to pave the way to a successful session.
3. RECORD AND PLAYBACK
Record your sessions on audio and video. Then playback several times. Listening and watching yourself will help you see what else can be improved.
4. JOURNALISE
Keep a journal of your learnings. Writing down your thoughts is more effective than simply committing to memory.
5. OVERCOME SELF-LIMITING BELIEFS
One of the invisible enemies is our own limiting beliefs. When that creeps into your mind, intercept it, and don’t let it fester. Activate your positive mindset to quieten down that voice. Take your next positive action.
6. JOIN VOLUNTARY COACHING PLATFORMS
Most budding coaches face the challenge of getting sufficient volunteer coachees on their own. Coach associations like ICF, MACC, or even coaching schools can play a key role to accelerate this learning process. The Corporate Coach Academy has recently created a Buddy Coaching platform to bridge such a gap. ICF and MACC have also offered several platforms from their pool of coach members. Budding coaches can now take up these opportunities to progress faster. The efforts by these institutions can be viewed as their social responsibility to build up the coaching community.
Lastly, reinforce your learning by going back to the school for a refresher. Join a coaching camp to learn from others. Have current conversations with the coaching community to keep up with new learning developments in the industry.
Whatever your phase of learning today, simply enjoy the journey!
“THE ONLY GUARANTEE FOR FAILURE IS TO STOP TRYING”- John Maxwell
CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Call 03-62054488 or log in to @www.corporate-coachacademy to find out about our ICF Coach Certification Programmes and Executive Coaching services.
Watch a free coaching video https://youtu.be/j8UnFpDG8B8.
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