coaches


Questions for coaches prompted by a quote about success and comfort

On a chalkboard, an image at the bottom is of a bit of land which dips down in the middle before a raised piece of land on the right of the picture. To the left is the label comfort and to the right, above the raised area, is the word success. An outline of a human figure is drawn leaping across the dip to Success. The text above reads: "I believe in Success, and in Comfort no less I believe all the rest is but patter." (William Allingham)

The quote is:

“I believe in Success, and in Comfort no less I believe all the rest is but patter.” (William Allingham)

Questions For Coaches

  • How do you define success and comfort in your own life?
  • Are these separate terms where it feels a balance should be sought, or can you have both at the same time?
  • What would success and comfort look like when it comes t your coaching practice?
  • How would many of your clients describe that as?

Bonus Questions

  • As a coach, how do you help clients define and pursue their own visions of success and comfort?
  • Can you share an example of a project where comfort and success were equally important?
  • How can recognising the “patter” in your life help you focus on what truly matters?

About Jen Waller

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.


Questions for coaches inspired by “A kind word is like a spring day”

This is an image of lush green grass with yellow, orange and red flowers growing among the blades. A couple of butterflies are flying around under a clear blue sky, with the haze of the sun shining in the top right-hand corner of the image. The text reads: "A kind word is like a spring day" (Proverb)

Today’s quote is:

“A kind word is like a spring day” (Proverb)

Questions For Coaches:

  • What kind word could you share with yourself right now?
  • How do you perceive the impact of kind words on your mood and outlook?
  • What role do kind words play in your daily interactions and relationships?
  • If you were honest, what would area of your life would grow more if you allowed yourself to be kinder with yourself?
  • Is there something you’re afraid would/wouldn’t happen if you were kinder?

Bonus Questions

  • What is the difference, if any, between kind words and the Truth?
  • How do kind words influence your motivation and drive?
  • How do kind words impact your state of mind and overall well-being?

About Jen Waller

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.


The Firm Spots: Guiding Clients Towards Transformative Change

A wooden see-saw is shown. At one end sits a box. The pivot point is closer to the end with a box and it is that end which is resting on the ground. There is nothing currently on the other, longer end. The background is white, and a shadow is showing on the ground. The text reads: "Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth." (Archimedes - talking about the action of a lever)

The quote is:

“Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth.” (Archimedes)

This profound statement about levers by Archimedes encapsulates a fundamental truth that resonates deeply within the realm of coaching. As coaches, our role is to facilitate transformation and growth in our clients. To do so effectively, we must guide them to discover their own “firm spots.” These are the universal principles and truths that provide a solid foundation for lasting change.

I was considering what “firm spots” are universal for all clients. While unique leverage points may exist for specific individuals, I am particularly interested in those that apply to all humans. Three key areas come to mind as unwavering anchors for our clients:

The Source of Innate Wisdom/Creativity

The first firm spot is the recognition that we have access to a source of innate wisdom. This is the source of creativity, resilience, and insight. When clients connect with this deeper intelligence, they tap into a wellspring of wisdom that can guide them through any challenge.

Encouraging clients to tap into this innate wisdom involves helping them recognize that they are part of a greater whole. By quieting the mind and listening beyond their habitual thoughts, clients can find clarity and direction. This often brings a sense of peace and trust, a reassuring knowing that they are always connected to a source of infinite potential.

The Power of Awareness

The second firm spot is the ability to be aware and to experience life. It’s through Consciousness that we perceive our reality. Enhancing clients’ awareness helps them see their thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them.

This heightened state of awareness allows them to observe their experiences without judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of their inner world. By realizing that they are not their thoughts but the observer of their thoughts, clients gain a sense of freedom and empowerment.

Thought: The Creative Force

The third firm spot is Thought. We live in the feeling of our thinking. Our thoughts shape our experiences, creating our perception of reality. Understanding this can be transformative because it highlights the creative power inherent within us.

Clients often get stuck in habitual thinking patterns that cloud their perception and hinder progress. By helping them see that their thoughts are transient and not the ultimate truth, we enable them to shift and see through the illusion. Conversations with someone else can be particularly powerful, as it can be easier to see the world we create with our thinking when we’re not trying to think our way out of it.

Conclusion

Archimedes’ insight about leverage underscores the transformative power of finding a firm spot from which to navigate life’s challenges. As a coach, guiding clients towards these universal firm spots not only enhances their immediate well-being but also empowers them to continually grow and adapt, leveraging their newfound understanding to move their own proverbial earth.

What firm spots do you have as a coach, and what impact do each of those have on your clients?

About Jen Waller

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.


The Listening World Summit 2024

Listening is a topic that coaches often talk a lot about and care deeply about, so I want to share this upcoming event with you. The first international summit dedicated to the power of listening.

This coming weekend (Friday 24th – Sunday 26th May 2024) the Listening World Summit 2024 is taking place in Prague.

Over 40 speakers from all over the world will be coming together to share insights into the art of listening. You’ll find, coaches, speakers, psychologists, mentors and company directors all on the list of speakers.

I believe that there is still availability to attend in person, and you can find full details at www.thelisteningworld.com

If logistics are going to prevent you from attending in person, then there is also a free live stream option for the Friday and Saturday. To get full details and to register to attend, click here.

Whilst the event is in the Czech Republic all talks will be in English with Czech simultaneous interpretations.

Michael Neill, one of the Speakers for the Listening World Summit 2024.

The feeling that goes with the thought … like a pat on the head

A couple of weeks ago I took part in a discussion with a group of fellow coaches where the topic was “Thoughts gone wild” Here is a short clip from that session.

You can watch the full conversation at: https://www.youtube.com/live/55WB2EYQPOE?si=GY7aNeswJBF6MdYb

If you want to watch the next conversation live, then join us this Wednesday, 22nd at 9:45 am (PST) / 12:45 pm (EST) / 5:45 pm (UK) / 6:45 pm (CET). The topic? See Beyond Illusions

About Jen Waller

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.


Unlocking Authentic Potential

Yesterday’s quote, was the proverb: “A golden key can open any door”

A wooden door is closed. Through the keyhole from the other side of the door, bright light shines through, illuminating a golden key that is hovering just in front of the keyhole. The text at the top reads: "A golden key can open any door" (Proverb) The text across the bottom right corner reads: "Your Coaching and a Golden Key."

One of the questions I posted in relation to that was, “How do you interpret the metaphor of a ‘golden key’ in relation to unlocking the potential of your clients?”

Which got me thinking, what do I currently think the key to my coaching is, what is it that consistently makes the biggest difference?

I’m fairly certain that my answer to this question today, is different to how I would have answered this 10 or 15 years ago. So If you’re pondering this for yourself and your coaching, I’m going to add at this stage – it’s OK for your answer to change over time. Personally, I think it’s natural for your style, understanding and approach to evolve over time and not stay static.

Today, my answer is for clients to find their authentic self, for them to connect to their own essence and their soul to awaken.

Unlocking Authentic Potential

In a world where external pressures and societal expectations often obscure our true nature, helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves can be transformative. It involves peeling back the layers of conditioning and societal expectations to reveal the core essence that lies beneath.

By encouraging clients to tap into their inner wisdom and intuition, you’re providing them with the key to unlocking their innate potential. This process of self-discovery and soul awakening is not about conforming to external standards or expectations, but about honouring and embracing the unique qualities that make each individual who they are.

One of the aspects I value about coaching is holding a safe and supportive space for clients to explore and express their authentic selves. Whilst not compulsory, it’s not unusual for clients to have some fear about who or what their authentic self really is – they often fear that there’s something wrong with them, and it can feel really vulnerable to look in that direction.

Through this process, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their desires, paving the way for greater clarity, purpose, and fulfilment in their lives. They begin to see themselves not as they think they should be, but as they truly are – worthy, capable, and deserving of all the goodness life has to offer.

In essence, the “golden key” to unlocking the potential of your clients lies in helping them reconnect with their authentic selves and awaken to the fullness of who they are. It’s about guiding them towards a deeper understanding of their innate worth and potential, empowering them to step into their greatness with confidence and authenticity. Being ourselves simplifies life. When we embrace our true selves, complexities fade away. When you really get to know your true self, your essence, your soul, then I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised – even if you’re reading this thinking, but she doesn’t know me, I’m worthless/unloveable etc.

As you continue on your coaching journey, embracing the metaphor of the “golden key” can serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact you have the potential to make in the lives of your clients. Your interpretation of what a golden key in your coaching may be entirely different from mine. And that’s okay; it doesn’t make either of us right or wrong. We simply have different approaches and likely work with different clients.

I think it’s interesting and probably useful as a coach to be able to start to describe what impact your coaching can have – what that golden key could do for your clients. For me, helping clients unlock the doors to their authentic selves, it’s not just facilitating personal growth – you’re igniting a transformational journey that has the power to change their lives forever.

About Jen Waller

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.


Questions for coaches about choice inspired by Thomas Fuller

Two apples rest on a wooden surface. The one to the left is fully withered and soft. The one to the right is half rotten.
The text reads: "There is but bad Choice, where the whole Stock is bad." (Thomas Fuller)

Today’s quote is:

“There is but bad Choice, where the whole Stock is bad.” (Thomas Fuller)

Questions For Coaches:

  • How do you assess the overall quality of your choices in the past year?
  • How do you handle situations where you feel uncertain about which choice to make?
  • How do you differentiate between good and bad choices in your decision-making process?
  • What would you do if a client said that all the options they have to choose from are bad?

Bonus Questions:

  • How do you navigate situations where all available options seem less than ideal?
  • What role does self-awareness play in helping you recognize and rectify bad choices before they escalate?
  • How do you seek support or guidance when faced with making what looks like difficult decisions?

About Jen Waller

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.


Questions for coaches about golden keys

A wooden door is closed. Through the keyhole from the other side of the door, bright light shines through, illuminating a golden key that is hovering just in front of the keyhole.
The text reads: "A golden key can open any door" (Proverb)

The quote today is a proverb:

“A golden key can open any door”

Questions For Coaches:

  • If you had a golden key, what would you use it for?
  • How do you interpret the metaphor of a “golden key” in relation to unlocking the potential of your clients?
  • How do your values and beliefs influence the doors you choose to open or keep closed?
  • What would your typical client say they want a golden key for?

Bonus Questions

  • As you reflect on your coaching journey so far, what doors have you already opened, and what doors do you still hope to unlock?
  • What do you do to help clients overcome resistance or fear when faced with the prospect of opening new doors?
  • How do you continue to hone your coaching skills and deepen your understanding of the keys that unlock transformative change for your clients?

About Jen Waller

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.