The journey is as important as the destination. I totally subscribe to this as a coach.
While starting a coaching session may evoke anxiety and concluding one on a high note brings satisfaction, it is especially important to engage in periodic self-checks along the way as we coach.
Grounding oneself is necessary so that we will always be our best as coaches.
I previously shared “5 Questions You Can Ask Yourself Before Coaching“ and “5 Questions You Can Reflect On After Coaching“ to capture the entire coaching process. However, fostering quick reflections during your coaching sessions is also important, as it ensures you are in the right state and space throughout the process.
I am referring to succinct, yes-or-no questions, designed to help you make small adjustments along the way, without letting yourself get distracted.
It is all about practicing quick, mindful self-checks as you amplify what works and reserve others for post-coaching introspection, all to ensure that you do not miss anything.
The goal is to gain awareness and give yourself a little nudge, not to keep you off track. This is intended to be a quick process, typically under a minute, aimed at acknowledging your current space so that you will know how to pivot if needed or just stay on track.
Here are the five questions to ask yourself during a coaching session.
1) Am I Still 100% Present?
This proves valuable when clients share a lot of details, sometimes weighty narratives, and your thoughts wander or doubts set in. Pause, breathe, and assess if you’re fully engaged. If not, ask yourself: “What can help me stay 100% present now?” Then act on it. Silently.
2) Am I Triggered By Our Conversation?
Sometimes, shared experiences with your clients or personal unresolved matters may trigger unexpected emotions. If this occurs, silently acknowledge the feeling, note it for future exploration, and address it during your post-coaching self-inquiry. Ask yourself: “What is it about our conversation that is triggering my reaction?” Start from there.
3) Am I Letting My Assumptions Drive My Questions?
We see things that some clients can not because of their blind spots. However, we must always remember that our clients are the experts in their own lives. Let them take the lead. If you find yourself crafting questions meant to prove yourself right, you are shortchanging your client’s room for improvement and limiting the process of exploration. Catch yourself in the process by asking yourself: “What assumptions must I let go of?” Pause and reconstruct an objective and unbiased question instead.
4) Am I Listening Intently?
Intentions matter. Sitting across from a client for an hour is difficult if you are not fully invested in the coaching relationship. Ask yourself if you are listening from the heart and hear unspoken words. I always ask myself from time to time, especially during challenging sessions: “What can help me listen (and feel) more?”
5) Am I Projecting My Own Biases?
We all have different sets of experiences, and sometimes, though unconsciously, we let them influence us as we coach. Despite our preconceived notions, it is possible to set them aside as we coach. Never let your own pains or experiences cloud your coaching structure. Ask yourself: “Where are I coming from? Are my questions enlightening and freeing?” These can help guide you along the way.
Remember, as coaches, we are responsible for our own well-being as we help others along the way. Quick reflections can help us stay in alignment and give every client our best. It is all about making the most of these minute inquiries so you can reap the maximum benefits as you embark on your coaching journey and become your own #bestmeever.
