Class Project ~ Option #5 ~ Coaching 501

Class Project - Option # 5
Coaching 501

"Building Blocks for Powerful Coaching"

Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, But a man of understanding draws them out.

Prior to attending Coaching 501 I had heard of coaching and had even been in meetings where the concept was practiced. However, a couple of hours did not give a full understanding of how this worked.

After taking the class I not only have a much better understanding but a great sense of relief . Growing up I always assumed that those in ministry needed to have all the right answers. This brought me a great deal of stress at times and even fear when someone would say, “Can I talk with you?” because I know how inadequate I am to even begin to full such a roll.

Another great relief was to learn what coaching is not. 1) Coaching is not counseling. A counselor deals with the past while a coach evaluates the present and move the person toward the future. 2) Coaching is not mentoring. A mentor is a one who counsels or teaches. With the goal of the mentee becoming like his/her mentor.

This class, as intense as it was, gave me valuable tools when it comes to helping others move forward in their life.

Some of the skills I learned were — A Good Coach Will:
∙ Build a trust. If the client can not trust you, you will not be able to help them. All that is shared must be kept confidential.
∙ Be a good listener. The client is the one to steer the conversation. They are the ones who decide what to talk a bout. The coach is there to help them process their thoughts.
∙ Be a good communicator. As he/she listens to the client they must be able to communicate clearly so the client understands what’s being said.
∙ Ask the tough questions. Tough questions will help the client to dig deeper within themselves to find the reasons why, or what to do next. Questions such as: What motivates you in life right now? What is currently preventing you from reaching this goal? What can you eliminate in your life to help you reach your goal this time? What are you tolerating right now in your personal life? What are you willing to do in the next 30 days?
∙ Ask open ended questions. Yes and no answers will get you no where. Questions must be asked to make the client think. Questions should be direct, simple and open ended.
∙ Help client narrow down topic. Helping them to stay focused on the situation at hand and help them come to a plan of action.

This class was amazing and I look forward to using the tools I have learned.