Strength- Based Coaching ( CONNECT)
I have to admit, when I started watching and reading up on this module, it all felt so technical for me, and it was a reminder about how the technical aspect of anything is such a weakness for me. I do see my strength as one of a Influencer and Relationship builder. My Enneagram portrays me as a Type 7 which is known as the Enthusiastic Visionary.
I am hoping to apply my mind to this module in way that I can tap into my strengths. In recent times and the work I have done with Leadership development, one of the key learnings has been to get leaders to focus on their strengths and not weakness. This is based on the dynamics of the team and the reality that we all have different strengths to compliment each other’s weaknesses. This does not mean that one should not focus on their weakness, rather allows for one to amplify their strengths and approach their weaknesses with a greater sense of ease.
The 7 Principles of the Strength-Based Approach :
Your Coachee is capable, don’t rescue them
Understanding that the Coachee has all the resources they need to succeed or the strengths needed to move forward.
Your Coachee’s story, are not your stories
As a Coach it is important for us to create a safe space for our Coachee to explore their own lived experiences,
What your Coachee focuses on becomes reality
We create the world we live in, it is important for us to listen to where the Coachee is and what they are focusing on during the sessions. Listening for themes or words that might sounds loaded when they say them.
Pay attention to your Coachee’s narrative
what is the Coachee saying or not saying. What is the story that the Coachee is holding on and understanding why that narrative is important to them.
Encourage shifts/change to happen
Allow the Coachee to go deeper into their own thinking and make use of tools that provide of a deeper understanding of the Coachee to him/herself. This is a beautiful opportunity to get the Coachee to do some Self evaluation.
Build upon their experience, to dream their future
The Coaching space is one of possibility for the Coachee.
Be collaborative, adaptive and value differences
We are holding the mirror up to the Coachee with great care and love. It is important to show the Coachee that he/she is been seen, heard and loved through their journey of growth.
In the chair of a Coach, we are often working with Coachee’s who have not yet realized their inherit strengths, coaching tools like the Ofmans Core Quality Model support conversations with our Coachee. The design of the model takes our Coachee on a journey through exploring the extremes and opposites of their core qualities. I love the way Mel makes reference to our Challenge being like a shadow to our Core Quality. Another’s persons strength can be your allergy, and vice versa, this can work against partnerships and relationships.
If I reflect on the Ofman’s Core Quality model, I realize that because I am highly optimistic, I am naturally drawn to people that are less optimistic as my challenge and wanting to rub off my optimism on them. I do very badly with people that are always down and immediately see that as an Allergy. It is great to also take our Coachee’s on this journey as we deepen our own understanding of self.