Creativity in Coaching ( CONNECT)
The Role of Creativity in The Coaching Process
Creativity is defined as the ability to generate new ideas, solutions and possibilities. For the work to be considered creative, it needs to be both original and effective in achieving a specific purpose.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” This implies that creativity plays a key role in client growth. ( source article – Posted by Nour Azhari )
I loved the session with Sanjeev and one of the characteristics I always appreciate about Sanjeev’s coaching and facilitating, is that he always brings his own creativity and authentic self into the session. The session gave us an opportunity to explore and be curious about ourselves as Coaches. I love the thinking around exploring thoughts and idea in a child like state which brings about a sense of creativity and freedom. Dreaming is possible when a safe space is created for us to explore and confront our challenges with the thoughts and beliefs that may be holding us back from moving forward.
Through this process I have also learnt a great deal about myself and my own blind spots. The process of creativity works for both the Coach and Coachee. When the Coachee’s beliefs are stuck in old ways or patterns, as the Coach we need to look at what will be most useful to the Coachee during this time. I am very much a Realist and feel a sense of safety with a plan. In my coaching I need to be aware about how this could create a block for my Coachee at a time when they might need me to flow with them as they show up as a dreamer. One of my greatest learning through the modules, is to be flexible, keep questions short and allow the Coachee to be where they want to in that moment, letting go of the attachment to have a plan.
In the session we had an opportunity to look at Walt Disney and his ability to dream, discover creative ideas and bring them into reality. Many many years ago I attended a customer service course based on the Disney design and learnt about how Walt Disney’s ability to be a dreamer created a World that took you from reality to fantasy by his commitment to action.
An Illustration of Walt Disney’s creative Strategies :
The Dreamer
What do we ultimately want (big picture)?
What is the vision when it all goes well?
How do we imagine the solution?
What are the benefits of achieving it? What does it give
us, clients, suppliers, various stakeholders, family, friends?
The Realist/Planner
How can we make that dream happen?
What resources (time, people, money) do we need to
make it happen?
What is the action plan within those components?
What is the timeline to apply this idea?
The Critic
What could be wrong with the idea? What is missing?
What are the risks and dangers?
Why might we not be able to apply it?
Who might object? Who will be unfavorably affected?
All of the Modules teach us on “being the Coach” and not doing Coaching. Coaching is a natural state that puts us in a position to flow down the river with our Coachee. It looks at their Goals, where they want to be in that moment? The current Reality, where they are now? and Options, what could they do to get to their Goal/Action and the Will, what will they do?
Creativity is important because It unblocks old patterns or habits of thinking. It allows for non-linear thinking. Creativity enables empathy. Creativity connects us to ourselves. Coaches need to be a role model to the Coachee, this requires us to do our own work first before we can expect our Coachee to do their work. This for me the essence of creativity.