Understanding
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Welcome back to part 4 of the RESULTS Coaching Model. In the previous post we look at self-awareness. In this article we are going to look at what Understanding means and how that impacts on the coaching process.
Helping the client to become self-aware and understanding things about themselves can be very empowering for the client. This is also very useful for the coach as it can help in the coaching process. As an example, helping the client understand what their values are and how that may be impacting on their life.
Let’s say that the client has come to you as a coach, because they are not happy at work. They do not get on with the boss and the other people they work with. The client may feel conflicted. They are working in a casino. The client knows that something is not right, but they just don’t know what it is. As they discover their values, they realize that the fact that one of their top values is they believe gambling is wrong. Now as they understand how their values conflict with their job, they are in a better position to create the change in their life that they truly want. This is a very obvious example and something that you may imagine client’s being able to resolve for themselves, but you would be surprised.
Often clients are so close to their problem that they just can’t see them. Values in and of them self are actually out of consciousness and are one of our most unconscious filters along with our Meta programs. Using tools like Meyers-Briggs personality profile can assist in understanding personality types, but is not meant to put the client into a box. Again it is not the intent of this document to explain personality types.
Understanding our beliefs and values.
Helping the client understand their own beliefs can be very useful. Beliefs can either empower or dis-empower us. Helping the client to understand what they believe and where their beliefs come from can assist in changing the beliefs which are dis-empowering. An example here could be the client who believes that it is impossible to lose the 100 pounds form a belief that it is possible. By achieving the little interim goals in between and building on those successes can assist in changing what they believe to be possible.
The level and types of understandings will be dependent on the client and their goals. So too will the learning’s that they make. We help the client to gain this understanding through very effective questioning and listening techniques. Assisting them on their coaching journey.
In the next article we will look at part 5, which is about learning. Until then, have a fabulous week and be the great, amazing person you were born to be.
