How to be Coach-Like

Purpose. Presence. Permission. Partner.

Being coach-like in our communication and leadership requires more than a bunch of techniques thrown together. It is a specific mindset and way of being founded in understanding and accepting our own strengths, weaknesses and biases equally.

“To lead others, I must lead self”
Elle Roseby, MD Country Road and Trenery

We can then build on this basis with powerful tools like the 4 x P’s mentioned above.

The 4 x P’s are a quick check list to tick off in your mind before going into any coaching conversation.

Without them you’re likely giving advice. Well-meaning and valuable advice, but advice all the same. And advice can be very limiting in growing leaders around you.

Purpose

• Be clear in your intention, know what you want to achieve in the conversation. Share your intention and align with your coachee.

Presence

• Check yourself. What are you bringing into the conversation? Baggage? The last email that triggered you? Stop, pause, breathe and then go in.

Permission

• Coaching without permission is a recipe for disaster, disempowerment and distrust. Seek permission, always. The conversation then becomes a co-creation of equally accountable participants.

Partner

• Work WITH people. This means walk beside people, believing in their potential, and ask better questions to assist them to find their breakthrough.

Share these 4 x P’s with people around you who are responsible for the empowerment of others (or even of you!). They will appreciate a simple tool to tap into another’s hidden potential and greatness.

Be Brave! Be Bold!

Karen.