The Coaching Inn

S1 Episode 14: Coaching Strategies for Critical Thinkers with Alex Popa

In this episode of The Coaching Inn podcast, Claire Pedrick speaks with Alex Popa about the nuances of coaching critical thinkers. They explore the importance of understanding the unique traits of critical thinkers, the challenges coaches face, and effective strategies for supporting their development. The conversation delves into the significance of physical movement, the balance between structure and emergence in coaching, and the need to engage the whole self in coaching conversations. Alex emphasizes the value of recognizing and normalizing the strengths of critical thinkers while encouraging them to expand their thinking and explore new possibilities.

takeaways

• Critical thinkers often have a secondary conversation happening in their minds.
• Coaching critical thinkers requires a tolerance for ambiguity and non-linear thinking.
• Physical movement can facilitate breakthroughs in coaching sessions.
• Coaches should examine their assumptions about critical thinkers to improve their effectiveness.
• Structure in coaching can help critical thinkers feel more comfortable and engaged.
• Engaging the whole self—mind and body—is crucial in coaching conversations.
• Binary thinking can limit options; exploring polarities can generate new possibilities.
• Encouragement and normalization of critical thinking traits are essential for development.
• Coaching should focus on allowing critical thinkers the space to think and process.
• Demonstrating emotional and intuitive engagement can inspire critical thinkers to explore these realms.

You can read Alex's article here.

Keywords

coaching, critical thinking, executive coaching, team coaching, personal development, coaching techniques, leadership development, coaching strategies, coaching critical thinkers, coaching conversations

 

S1 Episode 13: Challenging Questions for Coaches with Claire Pedrick and Peronel Barnes

In this episode, Claire Pedrick and Peronel Barnes explore the intricacies of asking challenging questions in coaching. They discuss the importance of timing, the role of silence, and how to craft questions that resonate with the thinker. The conversation emphasizes the need for active listening and the art of being present in the moment to facilitate deeper insights.

 

Takeaways

• Challenging questions often come from what we see, hear, or sense.
• Timing is crucial for the effectiveness of a question.
• Silence can be a powerful tool in coaching.
• Active listening requires attention to multiple levels of communication.
• Clever questions can detract from the coaching process.
• Waiting can sometimes be the most challenging question.
• Gestures can convey questions just as effectively as words.
• The interpretation of a question can dilute its impact.
• Effective questions should be timely and relevant to the moment.
• Coaches should strive to stay in sync with the thinker. 

You can access the longer masterclass here

https://www.3dcoaching.com/pre-recorded-training/

 

Keywords

coaching, challenging questions, active listening, timing, silence, communication, insights, coaching techniques, questioning skills, masterclass

 

S1 Episode 12: Coaching and Spiritual Direction with Sarah Broscombe

Claire Pedrick MCC in conversation with Sarah Broscombe ACC about the similarities and differences between coaching and spiritual accompaniment. They explore the concepts of one-to-one listening, the power of creating a space, and the importance of presence. They also discuss the role of the listener and the importance of humility in both coaching and spiritual direction. The conversation highlights the cross-fertilization between the two fields and the value of resonance and dissonance in the listening process.

http://sarahbroscombe.com/

 

Takeaways

• Coaching and spiritual direction both involve one-to-one listening, but there are differences in the focus and approach.
• Coaching is about self-development and conscious choice, while spiritual direction is about understanding one's true self and living accordingly.
• Both coaching and spiritual direction value the importance of creating a space and being present for the other person.
• Resonance and dissonance are key concepts in both coaching and spiritual direction, and they involve noticing without judgment and inviting the person to interpret their own experiences.
• Humility is an important quality for both coaches and spiritual directors, as it allows them to trust the process and focus on the growth and journey of the other person.

Keywords

coaching, spiritual direction, one-to-one listening, creating a space, presence, humility, resonance, dissonance

 

 

S1 Episode 11: Coaching and Leadership with Mike Williams

Mike Williams has been a Royal Marine and an NHS Chief Executive. He is a priest and a coach. Here he talks to Su about leadership.

 

"Building trust as a leader is not always straightforward, but you know when you're getting it and when you haven't got it."

 

Mike Williams, a coach and leader with experience in various institutions, shares insights on building trust, relationships, and honesty as a leader. He emphasizes the importance of engaging others in the thinking process and asking the right questions in meetings. Mike also discusses the challenge of finding simple solutions in complex situations and the need for leaders to have clarity in the process. He highlights the role of leaders in providing confidence and direction while also embracing vulnerability. Mike shares advice for new leaders to trust others and adopt a servant leadership approach.

 

Takeaways

• Building trust and relationships is crucial for effective leadership.
• Engaging others in the thinking process and asking the right questions in meetings can lead to better outcomes.
• Finding simple solutions in complex situations requires framing the problem and seeking underlying principles.
• Leaders need to balance confidence and direction with vulnerability and trust in uncertain times.
• Trusting others and adopting a servant leadership approach can make a difference as a leader.

 

Keywords
leadership, trust, relationships, honesty, engagement, meetings, simple solutions, complexity, confidence, vulnerability, servant leadership

S1 Episode 10: Coaching and Art with Peronel Barnes PCC

In this conversation, Su Blanch talks to 3D's Peronel Barnes about the intersection of coaching and art.

"Art can be a beginning, a beginning to be able to say something which you could not have said in any other way."

Peronel shares her journey of discovering coaching through her work with 3D Coaching and how she incorporates coaching principles into her art studio. She emphasizes the importance of creating a container or thinking space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions through painting. Peronel  also shares powerful stories of how art can be a transformative tool for self-expression and healing. The conversation highlights the bravery required in both coaching and art and the value of continuous learning and growth.

Takeaways

• Creating a container or thinking space is essential in coaching and art to provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment to explore their thoughts and emotions.
• Art can be a powerful tool for self-expression and healing, allowing individuals to communicate and process emotions that may be difficult to express verbally.
• Both coaching and art require bravery, both for the coach/artist and the individual, to step into the unknown and explore new possibilities.
• Continuous learning and growth are important in both coaching and art, as they allow for refinement and development of skills and techniques.

Keywords

coaching, art, intersection, container, thinking space, self-expression, healing, bravery, continuous learning

 

S1 Episode 09: Ethics - Coaching and Unconscious Bias with Smita Tharoor

Claire Pedrick MCC talks to coach Smita Tharoor about Unconscious Bias and listening with Dumbo ears. They discuss the importance of listening without allowing our own thoughts and biases to interfere, as well as the value of reflection. They explore the concept of hidden loyalties and how our values and beliefs shape our interactions with others. They also touch on the importance of noticing and not diagnosing in coaching conversations. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and understanding of our own biases in order to create more inclusive and effective coaching relationships.

https://tharoorassociates.com/

 

Takeaways

• Listening without allowing our own thoughts and biases to interfere is crucial in addressing unconscious bias.
• Reflection is key in recognizing and understanding our own biases and values.
• Hidden loyalties and values can influence our interactions with others.
• Noticing, rather than diagnosing, is important in coaching conversations.
• Self-awareness and understanding of our own biases are essential in creating inclusive coaching relationships.

Keywords

unconscious bias, ethics, listening, reflection, hidden loyalties, values, coaching

 

 

 

S1 Episode 08: Coaching and Change with Nicky McGinty

Su Blanch ACC talks to 3D's Nicky McGinty about navigating change gracefully.  How do we manage change when we feel it has been done to us? And what so we need to do well now so that we don't need to revisit incomplete endings later?

 

Takeaways

• Change should be worked with rather than managed.
• Imposed change presents unique challenges and requires exploration.
• Endings, the neutral zone, and the new are important stages in the change process.
• Paying attention, being open, and approaching change with grace are essential.
• Change connects with theology and the idea of letting go for new things to come.

Keywords
change, theology, corporate, leadership, endings, neutral zone, new, attention, openness, grace

S1 Episode 07: Feelings around Being Furloughed in Lockdown with Ruth Bennett

Su Blanch ACC talks to our Development Partner Ruth Bennett ACC about her feelings around her job being furloughed.

What do employers need to think about? How do you navigate an enforced sabbatical and still feel part of a team?

Takeaways

• Mixed emotions are common during times of transition and uncertainty.
• It's important to find a balance between excitement and feeling daunted by new opportunities.
• Connection and asking for help are crucial for well-being during challenging times.
• Employers should listen to their employees, ask how they're feeling, and find ways to support them.
• A sabbatical can be a time for personal growth and exploration.
• Uncertainty can be both challenging and an opportunity for adaptation and learning.

Keywords

furlough, coronavirus, emotions, excitement, guilt, rejection, connection, asking for help, sabbatical, uncertainty

 

S1 Episode 06: Power, Love and Leadership in the Pandemic with Sarah Broscombe

Claire Pedrick in conversation with Sarah Broscombe about power and love and leadership in a pandemic.

www.3DCoaching.com

www.sarahbroscombe.com/

 

Takeaways

• Leadership involves being in relationship with your own power and being honest about it.
• Leaders are currently having to deploy their power in a context of powerlessness.
• Integrity, authenticity, and the courage to use one's voice are crucial in leadership.
• Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anaemic.
• Leaders need to expand their capacities to fill the gaps left by the crisis.

Keywords

leadership, power, powerlessness, integrity, authenticity, voice, courage, crisis

S1 Episode 05: Coaching through Grief, Covid and at End of Life with Don Eisenhauer

Claire Pedrick MCC talks to Don Eisenhauer MCC founder of Coaching at End of Life about listening to people in the current culture where we are experiencing loss, fear, and the risk of dying. Find the article about a different kind of funeral

https://www.3dcoaching.com/blog/a-different-kind-of-funeral/

 

Don Eisenhauer specialises in coaching individuals dealing with end-of-life issues and grief. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for people to express their emotions and share their experiences. They emphasize the need for coaches to listen deeply and invite clients to go deeper in their emotions. They also discuss the significance of rituals in the grieving process and the importance of open and honest conversations about dying. The episode concludes with a reminder to address end-of-life issues and not let fear prevent us from having these important conversations.

 

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Keywords

coaching, end-of-life, grief, emotions, safe spaces, rituals, dying, conversations