Being the best coach you can be means remaining committed to learning and improving your craft. No coach ever has all the answers, and sometimes a coach will suggest something that, in hindsight, isn’t very useful. If you find yourself in this situation, the most important thing is to remain accountable to yourself and your clients.
To help motivate you to continue your journey of learning and improvement as a coach, We’ve asked several expert coaches one question:
“What experience changed how you coach for the better?”
“I decided to really take coaching seriously and got certified. While anyone can consider themselves a coach, I found that it was important to learn more about my craft. I learned so much, especially acknowledging and validating clients. It goes so far.”
—Sharif Colbert, LifeCoachATL
“Since I have been coaching since 1996, the one stand out that changed the way I coached was to learn about how to approach any client that has cognitive dissonance. Many clients do know better but do not do better. Instead of asking “Why?”, something I never do, I now know there is a pay off for their behavior, even though it usually does not support what they say they want.
By understanding strategies and defenses, I know that typically, though not always, they are aware of their behavior but don’t know why they behave that way. Typically the defense is an unquestioned assumption that is also untrue and often unconscious. Or perhaps it is an unmet need, also unconscious.”
—Stew Berman, PCC
“While my experience in the Co-Active Coaches Training Program and the ICF certification program created the solid foundation for my coaching philosophy, understanding Human Design (HD) and Gene Keys has profoundly transformed the way I am able to understand and intuitively support my clients with my gift of ‘hearing another’s heart.’ Human Design unlocks the doorway to self-acceptance and leading from a place of inner authority for my clients every single time, in the most profound and unexpected ways.”
—Katie L. Eades, ACC, CPCC, Owl Professional Coaching
“I have set up an easy-to-use program for my clients that consists of The Six Components exclusively used in my 8 Cycles of Wellness Program. Three of the components include CBT training, self-reflection, and the five stages of life. I find that when you really get to know a person you are better able to work together to find their true purpose.”
—Tamika M. Russell, Creator and Developer of 8 Cycles of Wellness, Certified Life Purpose Coach
We’d love to add your expert opinion here too! Please reach out to us with your answer to the question above.