Coaching for me?
Exploring streams and tree lined valleys near Tintagel. No green without blue!
What? Really?
Have you ever thought of coaching but would like to know more before taking the plunge?
Felt a bit bewildered by what seems like a ‘dark art’ to the uninitiated, but would like to dip a toe in the water to see what it’s all about?
Ever felt that coaching is only for the ‘high ups’ and not something that is accessible - and truly wonderful - for you?
What is it for? What do I bring? So many questions? Don’t know where to start?
What is coaching for?
Some of the things I have brought to coaching include shaping a vision for the future; endings and beginnings when navigating transition; identity and calling; purpose and values; using time well; finding ways to be more focussed; balancing work, life and wellbeing.
Other things to bring to a coaching session might include work stresses; flourishing in times of change; living with non-certainty and complexity; how we show up as our best selves; working with fewer resources and increased responsibility; resilience; how to decide what to say ‘yes’ to; managing expectations; creating useful processes and structures; leadership; finding clarity - it’s almost as broad as anything you have a decision to make or a question around that supports your personal and professional development. And if coaching isn’t the right space for what you bring, your coach will work with you to find the right practitioner for you.
What to bring - a starting point…
Bring your whole self, and a question or topic you’d like to make progress on. Together we will begin by refining this so that you can make the best use of the time we have.
Bring curiosity, playfulness, and an openness to explore and think creatively in a way you’ve perhaps not done before. Greatest progress is made when you trust the coaching process - it can be fun to see where that leads!
And for when enough creative thinking has started, new insights are gained, and possible outcomes identified, you’ll need a sprinkling of motivation and courage to move forward with what’s emerging.
We have all been a beginner when it comes to coaching, and whether we’re contemplating big changes or smaller, it may take a little time to ease in to a new way of working.
Your coach will not tell you what to do or give you advice, but will ask some great questions to help you dig deeply into your most creative and resourceful self to find what aligns with your aspirations and values, what’s inspiring you, what’s keeping you stuck - whatever the conversation might be revealing, and wherever you’d like to go - and what work for you to find your next steps.
It’s a journey of togetherness and partnership that you lead.
Leaning into blue space and winter sunlight
A few years ago I’d not heard of coaching, nor of its benefits. I didn’t even know any coaches - now I wouldn’t be without one! I value immensely having that companion on the way to challenge, to support and encourage, to hold me accountable and who believes in me even when I doubt myself. I stumbled upon coaching out of the blue, but would like to encourage you, a colleague, or friend to try coaching next year, so am placing this opportunity at your feet.
I have three spaces for people to try a 1-hour coaching session at a 50% discount on a personal referral basis. Although I aim always to make coaching affordable, trying something you don’t yet know the value of is a leap of faith. I also keep one space for a pro-bono client for those of limited financial resources, as I truly believe that everyone who would really love coaching should be able to.
Coaching is not a ‘dark art’ but clients have spoken to me of the ‘magic’ of coaching when you have a skilled professional working alongside you.
If you know of someone who might benefit from a space to think, a space to be heard, or a space to dig deep for clarity, aligned decision making, considering change, or starting something new, forward this to them and encourage them to get in touch. A personal, loving and supportive, nudge might be what they need.
And if you’d like to have a further conversation about coaching for you, book a space in my diary here. I look forward to hearing from you.
