(Read time: 4 Min.)
Last week we suggested that your clients have all the answers they need to create the life they imagine. They know exactly what they do that keeps them from getting the results they want, as well what they need to do to reach their goals. Typically, these answers are hiding just below the surface waiting to bubble up with the help of a good coach.
Of course, asking the right questions and responding appropriately are two skills a coach uses to help the client uncover their answers. Every competent coach is an exceptional communicator who employs these skills. But, if the client isn’t open or willing to hear what it is you’re asking, it’s like throwing seed onto unfertile soil. The concepts won’t take root. To create the right environment in which the client’s genius begins to sprout and flower the soil must be prepared with open-mindedness, curiosity, a willingness to learn, and an openness to change.
These criteria are not a mystery to successful coaches who have mastered them. They know their importance and cultivate and coach to them. Not only are these coaches aware of the importance of these practices, they:
- Model them to benefit their clients
- Notice the presence or lack of them in their clients
- Move the client toward developing them when necessary
When you model these practices and encourage your clients to develop them, you are providing them not only with good coaching but with life skills. Skills that continue to successfully move clients forward even when you are not around.
Open-mindedness – In order to transform our lives, we must be opened-minded. Perhaps it is a different way of doing something or thinking outside the box. Open-mindedness allows us to be more accepting when we uncover information that could transform our lives.
When you notice your client embracing a new idea or a new way of thinking be sure to compliment them on their willingness to be open-minded. Conversely if your client seems unwilling or hesitant about exploring new pathways use your skills of questioning and probing to uncover the reason for their hesitancy.
Curiosity – Another transformative life skill is curiosity. When we are curious about the world and come across something that tweaks our interest, we will often go out of our way to expand our understanding of that topic. Curiosity motivates us to explore and learn more about our world and the people in it, transforming us into more knowledgeable, understanding, and kind people.
Hiring you as a coach is a testament to your client’s curiosity. They are curious as to what it will be like working with you and what results they can expect from the coaching relationship. If clients seem hesitant when faced with an opportunity to go outside of their comfort zone, and there will be many, refer them back to the beginning of your coaching relationship. Remind them of the “risk” they took in trying something new and how much they have gained by taking action.
Willingness to learn – Being willing to learn is a wonderful transformative life skill. In every accomplishment and disappointment, there is a lesson to be learned. When we are willing to learn these lessons and apply them in everyday life, we grow in every way. Showing your clients how to learn from their experiences is a key element of the transformational process.
Your client may be a genuine Einstein, but everyone has blind spots when it comes to how they live their lives. When you provide your clients with a model for learning life lessons, you have given them a process for lifting the veil that clouds their thinking when it comes to issues that are close to home.
Being open to change – Personal transformation also requires being open to change. Though this skill is very similar to open-mindedness and willingness to learn, being open to change tends to be more action based. We might see our clients express a willingness to change but unless they demonstrate a change in their behaviors, little will come of it. This is when the coach’s role must shift to that of an accountability partner, holding the client responsible for shifting behavior. Change can feel uncertain and scary but learning to deal with it can produce rewards that last a lifetime.
When coaches exhibit behaviors consistent with being open minded, curious, willing to learn, and open to change, and encourage these same behaviors in their clients, they are creating a safe and reassuring environment in which their clients’ genius is free to spring forth and blossom.
Do you know a coach who could benefit from our weekly publications? Please share this publication, they will thank you for it. Thanks for reading, see you next week.
