Blog 27 – My Final Reflection Piece

One of the aspects I appreciated the most was the opportunity to step into bravery and courage with each Practicum. I was always nervous going into each session, however as the sessions progressed I felt more at ease to step out of my comfort zone and Coach in front of other’s, real time and to be vulnerable in the seat of a Coachee. I loved that Mel offered us feedback real time, that made a huge difference for me and it gave me new ways in which to practice my Coaching in my own practice.

I gained new insights about my Coaching style and my blind-spots. I loved being able to also learn from other’s as we all grew together and built trust with each other during the sessions.

My Key lessons during the practicums and my exit interview:

Who do I need to be in this situation for the Coachee? The Coaching session is not about how well I do, its about the Coachee getting the perspective or clarity that they are needing in that moment. It can be as simple as slowing down, having a safe space to express feelings or working through their mindfulness. Consider the assumptions I might be making on behalf of the Coachee. Consider shorter simpler questions. Reduce the amount of mirroring I do, it can come across as overwhelming. I was also so appreciative of how much Mel believed in me throughout this entire process. I am certainly going to lean into my intuition more and trust the process. I am also going to believe in myself and my capabilities of being an amazing coach.

My recorded session could have been improved with a hook, working on the start and end of the call, it was interesting how I took that feedback and used it in the next coaching session as a “do or die” only to learn and affirm that each Coaching session is going to be different and each client will require something different from me during that time. Asking contracting questions up front to get a feel and sense of what the Coachee is needing in that moment. It is also important to allow the Coachee time and space to reflect on the call, and close with an insight from what they may be taking away from the time with you as their Coachee.

I have to admit the exit Coaching session as an extreme for me and I found it very challenging. The interruptions during the sessions challenged my focus. I did my best listen well. I was trying very hard at the start of the call to get a goal out of the Coachee, and mid way through realized that trying to get a goal was only frustrating the Coaching and I was aware of my own triggers during the call. I took note of previous feedback about how important it is for a Coach to also be aware of their own state during the session. This allowed me to remain paced, rethink who I needed to be and ask shorter, lighter questions to the Coachee. One of my take aways throughout the sessions is to show up and be present, the flow will happen organically. The focus on Doing the Coaching opposed to Being a Coach, can cause disconnect between the Coach and Coachee.

In summary, the journey has only just begun. Keep moving forward, we are all life long learners in a world that offers us abundance in whatever we focus on. I am super happy to have said “yes” and committed to the journey. As many of my cohort team would likely relate, working, being a parent and still studying is no easy task. I do celebrate everyone in the Cohort that made this journey one of joy and happiness. I hope that our paths always collide with ease and grace.