People vary in their level of coachability, so when clients come to me, I look for any sign of willingness. While it’s great when someone is enthusiastic about learning and growth, that isn’t always the case. Coaching provides a safe space where people can fully be themselves, allowing them to see through the fog of fear, doubt, and anger. Through meaningful conversations, clients discover new pathways to achieve their goals. In essence, coaching is often less about behaviour change and more about identity, exploring who someone believes they are and who they aspire to become.
When working with leaders, my approach revolves around a single guiding question:
“Is there one thing you’d like to improve or enhance that we could work on together?”
“Would you be open to learning just one new thing that could make you better?”
“Can you think of one area where you’d really appreciate some support in developing?”
Once clients identify that one thing and experience the benefits of coaching, they often become more open to the process. They realise how valuable coaching is and that it never makes them feel inadequate.
““Where we have strong emotions, we’re liable to fool ourselves.””