What's the hardest part of learning
Hardest part of coaching: clarity, letting go, acknowledgment, resisting judgment.
“What’s the hardest part about learning coaching skills?”
I get this question quite often. But what people THINK is hardest and what we OBSERVE as trainers are two very different things, surprisingly!
Most people think the hardest part is asking powerful questions. They think they run out of questions soon.
It's not.
The real challenges are (starting with the most difficult):
Truly figuring out and agreeing on what a coachee wants to achieve in the coaching session.
Truly letting the other person lead the CONTENT of the conversation, while as a coach we uphold a PROCESS. It goes against every instinct to 'drive' and 'solve'.
Not judging an idea. Even saying "that's a great idea!" is a judgment that creates subtle dependency.
Acknowledging the person, not just their progress. Recognizing their courage or effort, not just the outcome.
Coaching is a fascinating skill to learn that touches us at the very heart of how we communicate day in and day out. It exposes subtle patterns. It’s a vulnerable learning. I can be frustrating in the process.
But it’s one of the most transferable skills to learn!!
In just 1.5 weeks, IntelliCoach starts its run of our very first Professional Coaching skills, specially designed for HR Business Partners! We still have a few spots left at a steep pilot-only discount. Know anyone?
Wish you well!