Coaching provides the time and space to really understand the problem. Working with a trained coach, the client knows they're in a safe, confidential space where they will be listened to without judgement. Open questions create clarity and respectful challenge helps to surface new ways of thinking about old problems. It's about understanding what the issue really is; what the barriers are that may be holding you back.
Once you've got that understanding, it’s time to move on to thinking about solutions. How might things be different? How do you want to show up? This may well lead to developing experiments, trying out new behaviours firstly with the coach, and then in a work setting, to see how the new approach works in practice.
Finally, it’s important to reflect. How did the new approach work? What went well? What didn't? What would you do differently next time to keep making incremental improvements? Research shows that this approach of trial, reflection and continuing improvement can be very effective in helping to build confidence and create lasting change.
Of course, this isn't a simple, linear process. The issues that hold us back are often deep rooted, long held and maybe unconscious. That's where an independent, trained coach can help.
To find out more, and try a free session contact fionabwilkinson@icloud.com or visit www.fbwcoaching.org.