Today’s quote is:
“We mean to explore kindness and its enormous silences.” (Guillaume Apollinaire)
I think this quote points to a couple of aspects that fall into the profound realms of coaching, where kindness and silence are not merely elements but guiding principles. In the coaching journey, kindness extends beyond niceties, and silence is not an absence but allows powerful presence to be noticed and wisdom accessed.
Kindness Beyond Surface Gestures:
Kindness in coaching transcends the superficial realm of politeness. It’s a dynamic force encompassing understanding, respect, and empathy. For many coaches, our role extends beyond guiding clients through their challenges; it involves creating a safe space where stories, fears, and aspirations can unfold without judgment. Kindness becomes part of the fabric that weaves the connection between coach and client, fostering an environment conducive to vulnerability and growth.
The Power of Silence:
Silence, often misunderstood as an absence, holds immense power in coaching. It is not a void but a canvas where unspoken thoughts and emotions find expression. Silence and quiet are also often descriptions used when people try to put words to describing that space of creativity, wisdom and inner guidance – where answers can bubble up seemingly from no where.
True listening goes beyond words, allowing for the exploration of what lies beneath the surface. The art of silence in coaching involves being present and attentive, providing clients with the space to reflect, process, and articulate their thoughts at their own pace.
Discussing Kindness and Silence with Clients:
For me, every coaching conversation is a unique journey, incorporating discussions about kindness and silence can be transformative and part of that path. The way I address kindness often involves encouraging clients to be gentle with themselves, fostering self-compassion in the face of challenges or seeing the innocence in a missunderstanding or belief. Discussing silence includes acknowledging its importance in the coaching process and assuring clients that it’s a space where insights can naturally emerge – so it’s OK to take a moment and not feel the need to fill the space with any words.
In my coaching practice, the interplay of kindness and silence is inherent in each session. I often encourage clients to embrace self-kindness, emphasizing that growth is a journey and not a destination. Silence, for me, is not an awkward pause but an opportunity for clients to dig deep within themselves. I reassure them that it’s perfectly okay to take the time needed for thoughts and answers to surface.
How does it fit in with your coaching? Is it something you consider? Maybe it’s not something you consider using a label such as kindness but do you recongise what I’m attempting to describe?
Impact on Coaching Approach:
The infusion of kindness and silence profoundly impacts my coaching approach. Kindness becomes the foundation upon which trust is built, and silence becomes the canvas where meaningful insights unfold. This approach fosters a collaborative journey of self-discovery and transformation. It’s about “hanging out” in that space where the human spirit is nurtured, and the profound magic of self-discovery unfolds.
How does kindness and silence shape your coaching approach? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.