The Magic of Coaching

Last year, I’ve embarked my coaching journey. I had a privilege to undergo an intensive training, practice sessions and assessment certifications. Today, I now have 76 hours/100 hours to complete so I can take my next coaching certification.

I’m learning a lot in this journey such as:

1. Listen very well. Coaching taught me how to really listen. I don’t know about you, but whenever I talk to someone, I usually think of my next thoughts, questions, and words to say. Coaching taught me to clear my mind and (100%) focus only to my client — his words, body language, tone of voice, reactions, values, and the like. By doing this, it helps me to notice the patterns and ask more relevant questions. In parallel, the client would feel I’m really listening and would trust me more and share more.
2. Suspend judgment. Have you experienced talking to someone and at the back of your mind you’re already formulating hypothesis? Coaching helps me to suspend judgment and avoid assumptions. In coaching, you have the power to clarify and, if necessary, dig deeper (with client’s permission) to really understand the situation. The more you understood, the better questions you can ask and your client can further unearth the root cause of the problem and realize his potential solutions.
3. Contracting is key. This is similar with goal-setting concept that should be done at the beginning of a coaching session. You have to be crystal clear on what the client wants to achieve at the end of the session and have an agreement on this.
4. You don’t need to be an expert, in the field, to be a coach. Somebody told me that in coaching, the client is the master of his own world. This means that the client knows the answer. As a coach, you would need to facilitate the process of helping them discover the answers which are just within them. This is what the ‘unleashing the genius of people’ is all about. I’m honored to have opportunity to coach people who are from Actuary, Finance, Agency/Sales, Operations, HR background. They are even more senior and experienced than myself; and, I learned that as long as you facilitate well the process and give them the space to reflect, you can do it effectively.
5. Client – 80% Talking and Coach – 20% Asking. Did I just say space? In coaching, it’s not about being know-it-all and giving advices. It’s all about asking your client on their ‘own’ definition and thinking of their ‘own’ solutions. This is a usual trap that may hinder us in letting them reflect on their own. The space is all about giving them enough time to think (yes, be comfortable with silence) and a platform to talk. The coach is responsible in facilitating this thinking and talking process by asking the right question at the right time.
6. Trust the process. If you’ve read my previous post, you would know that I’m an impatient and control freak type of person. Whenever I have a presentation, I would write a flow, script, and all the necessary details as my guide. In coaching, it’s opposite. Yes, we have GROW Model as a coaching structure; however, you cannot religiously follow a script on what question you have to ask. Rather, you have to follow your client’s thoughts so you can ask the best questions.  All you have to do is to trust the coaching process and patiently have this journey with your client. 

I’m thankful for how coaching is developing not just my clients but also myself. I remember before, I’ve only thought that coaching is only about asking questions; but, as I immerse myself more into this kind of conversations, I realized how a seemingly simple process can bring a magical outcome that can help and add value to the client.

Things I love about running

I’m not an active person. I would usually prefer to sleep and enjoy the comfort of my bed. But when I was asked to join the company run (and had no choice), I suddenly stepped out of my comfort zone.

This week, I started running. Thankful for friends who provided tips and encouragement.  I was able to run thrice and I’m surprisingly enjoying it.

Things I like about running (so far):

1. It activates my energy for the whole day.
2. It gives me discipline to sleep and wake up early.
3. Quiet time before everything gets noisy and fast-paced.
4. Yes, I have a full-packed agenda for work; and so the more that I need exercise like this to be more energized, engaged, and healthier.

Lastly, running reminds me that I have to take care of my body to glorify God. Corinthians 6:19-20  (NIV) “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

I know I’m super novice on this and so I’m excited on what other things I’ll learn and discover in running. 🙂

 

New Chapter

And I’m back! 🙂

It’s been a year and I miss writing my reflections here.

Looking back, there were a lot of things happened that I’m really thankful for.

1. I got married to my wonderful husband and spiritual leader.
2. Experienced our dream, intimate wedding with our family and closest friends.
3. We moved to our 1st humble home together.
4. Visited Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Australia in our 1st year together.
5. Partnered hosting different events with my husband.
6. Discovered my love and passion in ‘coaching’ which is aligned with my mission of developing people.
7. Discipling lovely ladies in growing our faith and relationship with Christ.

and the list goes on… 🙂

I’m totally blessed on how God is moving and keeping his promise in Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

Most of these were not planned. But God is amazing for immeasurably giving and providing far more than we could ever ask for or imagine.

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