In our blog this month, we introduced the role that intuition plays in the coaching process. Coaches often rely on their intuition to establish a strong connection with their clients. Intuition helps you sense the client\’s emotions, unspoken thoughts, and underlying needs, allowing you to create a safe and trusting environment where a client feels comfortable digging deeper. This is where your skills as a transformational coach really shine.
A key factor in the development and use of intuition by both coach and client is active listening, a fundamental coaching skill. Here we share with you some of the ways active listening supports the development of intuition and some easy-to-apply examples of how to use your intuition and tap into your client’s intuition when coaching.
Create a safe space: Active listening involves giving full attention to the client, being present, and suspending judgment. By demonstrating active listening, the coach creates a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. This safe space encourages clients to trust their own intuition and share their intuitive insights without fear of being dismissed or criticized.
For example: Maintain eye contact, nod, and provide verbal cues to show that you are fully present and engaged with your client. When clients express their thoughts and feelings, refrain from interrupting. Instead, acknowledge the client\’s emotions and experiences without judgment, creating a safe and non-threatening environment. For example, you might say, \”I can see that this is important to you and I\’m here to listen.\”
Amplify the client\’s inner voice: Listen carefully to tune in to the client\’s words, tone of voice, and non-verbal cues. By attentively listening, you can help amplify the client\’s inner voice and bring attention to the intuitive signals they have received. Restate what you heard the client say and call attention to moments when they expressed hesitation or excitement to encourage the client to further explore their insight.
For example: You might say, \”It sounds like you\’re feeling excited about this idea\” or \”I noticed a moment of hesitation when you mentioned that decision, is there something more going on here?\” When you restate the client\’s insights, you validate and amplify their inner voice.
Deepen self-reflection: Active listening also involves asking probing questions in addition to acknowledging the client\’s words and emotions. This deepens the client\’s self-reflection and encourages them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and intuitive signals at a deeper level. By asking probing questions, you support your client in developing greater self-awareness and insight into what their intuition is telling them.
For example, use open-ended (probing) questions to encourage the client to explore their thoughts and emotions in greater depth. You might say, \”Can you tell me more about what led you to come to that conclusion?\” or \”How do you feel about this new insight?\” By attentively listening and repeating the client\’s responses out loud, you encourage the client to delve deeper into their self-reflection.
Uncover underlying assumptions and beliefs: During active listening, pay attention to any underlying assumptions or beliefs that the client may express implicitly or explicitly. When you notice an assumption of belief, reflect it back to the client and inquire further so that you gain a full understanding of their origin and impact.
For example, you might say, \”You mentioned that you have a gut feeling this won\’t work out. What underlying belief might be influencing that feeling? Since intuition can be defined as a deep understanding or insight that goes beyond logical reasoning or conscious thought, addressing your client’s assumptions and beliefs will help the client examine, challenge, and reshape their intuitive process.
Call out incongruence: When actively listening, you may detect a lack of harmony or agreement between a client\’s words (what they say) and their non-verbal cues (such as facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone of voice). There is incongruence if someone says they are happy and excited about something, but their facial expressions and body language appear tense or sad, indicating that the person\’s true feelings are different from what they are verbally expressing. When such incongruences arise, gently bring attention to them.
For example, you might say, \”I noticed that your body language changed (shoulders sagged, a deep sigh, tears in the eyes) when you mentioned that decision. Did you notice that too? Can you explain why your body language doesn’t match what you’re saying?\” This approach prompts the client to explore hidden or overlooked intuitive insights.
Encourage trust and validation: When you actively listen to your clients and let them know you have truly heard what they are saying, you convey genuine empathy and interest in their experiences and emotions. Active listening validates your client\’s perspective and emotions, creating a deeper sense of trust and rapport.
For example: Upon hearing the client recall a recent learning experience, the coach might say, \”It sounds like you\’ve put a lot of thought into this, and your feelings are entirely valid.\” This validation encourages your client to trust their intuition and be open to sharing more insights.
Active listening, when practiced skillfully, creates an environment that supports the client in exploring their intuition, developing self-awareness, and uncovering intuitive insights. It establishes a strong foundation for the coaching relationship, enabling the client to trust their own intuition and make more intuitive and aligned decisions. By using active listening in these ways, you can foster an environment where the client feels safe, supported, and encouraged to explore and develop their intuition.
Thanks for reading.
Additional Resources:
Additional information about using intuition while coaching and other transformational coaching skills, can be found in The Passionate Coach, A Practical Guide To The Art Of Transformational Coaching, available on Amazon.