Coaching Presence

Coaching Presence is all about the dynamic the coach brings to the coaching session. But, before we get into the specifics of that, let's get into the client's shoes. You have a problem and you are going to talk to someone about it. Maybe you know that, in order to discuss the problem, you're going to have to be vulnerable. What type of person do you want for a coach?

Perhaps, first things first, you'll want someone you can talk with rather than to. You want them to be fully present and invested in the conversation. 

Have you ever been to a doctor's office where the doctor comes in and asks a bunch of questions without asking you what's up? On one hand, sure, maybe the doctor knows lots of stuff but it doesn't feel particularly good.

Heck, if a doctor asks me what's wrong, I'll spill everything, most of which, I'm sure is vague and useless but it feels good to get it out there!

Now, in terms of the International Coaching Federation, they have some markers for coaches around the notion of Coaching Presence. The coach should be able to fully be conscious in the session with the client. The coach has a style that is open and flexible and it shows in their actions. There isn't a script; the coach is responding to what the client says. This is kinda related to the idea of a cold doctor we talked about above.

With coaching, there is an emphasis on spontaneity. The coach and client are having a conversation, after all. When you are talking with someone and you are interested in what they have to say, do you follow a script? 

Alright, covid has been kinda rough for me too, socially, so ask me that again after my first party once things get back to normal-ish. I miiiight have a small script. That said, let's imagine this is the Before Times and the person you're talking with isn't a stranger.

You'd listen to what they say and then respond to what they just said, right? Maybe you'd be focused on their problem but maybe you'd be focused on them and how they feel about their problem. 

Coaching is a lot like that. The coach should go with the flow and respond to what the client says. There shouldn't be "a plan." The coach should feel confident enough in themselves to be able to share their observations (and be ok if their wrong) if it would be helpful for the client.

Once again, Coaching Presence is related to the energy that the coach brings to the table; it should foster openness and growth in the client.

Speaking as a coach or client, do you feel this way in your coaching sessions?

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