What my Client Taught Me.

6 August 2021

In my work as an Executive Coach, very often the coaching conversation went by in a fleeting moment. Since I was fully present and focused on listening to what the client shared, very often I don’t remember the questions I asked and the stories I shared.

This morning, there was an opportunity for my client to reflect on her seven months coaching journey. It was her defining moment and mine too.

This is what she shared. What she discovered, learnt and decided to implement, And this is what I am learning too.

Spend Time to Save Time: She relates a story about a direct report who was new to the job and always sends in questions expecting a response. My client used the coaching approach, asked her to not just bring the problem but also share the background and come up with some possible solutions. In that way, my coachee will have to spend time with her walking through the possible solutions and empowering her direct report to decide on the solution. This takes time but eventually saves lots of time as her direct report no longer comes to her on small issues.

Slow Down and Be Patient: She felt that in the office, she’s always rushing, not enough time to have a good conversation. She decided to adopt a different strategy. Share key points ahead, let them think first, then allocate time for these important conversations.

I Am Not Better Than Others: As a Leader, I’m more exposed to coaching and mentoring skills. Even then, I may not have all the answers for you but I’ll listen to you, ask questions, share experiences and unlock potential together

Meeting for the first time. The 1st Session: See this as a Session to get to know each other, learn from the person, ask “what do you want?”. It’s the coachee’s Agenda. Find out their expectations of me. Something good will happen.

Put Myself In People’s Shoes. Show Empathy: Learn from the journey. I may not fully understand the situation, so ask them what they think, analyse what they see.

Important to Provide a Safe Place: A safe platform, a place where people feel comfortable to share, not judged or penalize for saying things that contradicts

And what has she noticed about changes in herself?

Heightened Self awareness. Understand more how people see me.

Practice to pause & listen. The results? Get to hear more

Leadership is a privilege. Get comfortable to be questioned.

Connections & Relationships are important. Build them

Talk less, ask more, listen more

Be Vulnerable

Learn how not to take things personally

In a nutshell, I’m mighty proud of my client. She has the humility to learn from her direct reports and peers, be aware of her limitations, the courage to change and the discipline to take action.

And for that I’m grateful to be her Coach. I felt validated. And, most important of all, coaching works!

That’s why I do what I do.