Today’s quote of the day is:

“A little credulity helps one one through llife very smoothly.” (Elizabeth Gaskell)

Credulity, the readiness to believe without concrete evidence, is a nuanced concept that sparks reflection on the balance between unquestioning acceptance and critical thinking. This quote prompted me to ponder if there is merit in embracing a little credulity, and how does it intersect with our roles as coaches?

The Power of a “Little” Credulity:

The key word in the quote, as highlighted, is “little.” It suggests that a moderate amount of credulity can smooth the journey of life. There are instances when questioning everything may lead to unnecessary disruptions, reminiscent of a small child endlessly asking “why.” However, I’m sure all coaches have seen the impact that a well timed question can have, that powerful catalyst for profound shifts in perception.

Finding the Balance:

The delicate balance lies in acknowledging the “little” credulity that aids in navigating life smoothly while recognizing the transformative potential of questioning thoughts, beliefs and how we see life in general. As coaches, we must strike this balance within ourselves and guide our clients through their own exploration. Here’s a few thoughts that accord to me around this:

• Selective Application: Recognize situations where a little credulity can be beneficial, such as in building trust. When working with a client, it really helps if they feel they can be honest and that is fostered by them feeling psychologically safe for example to look at something they find scary. Letting them lead the pace can help wth that which means there will be times when
• Encouraging Curiosity: Foster a sense of curiosity, both in yourself and your clients. Encouraging questions and exploration is essential for growth, while still maintaining a level of trust in the process.Being aware not only of when credulity is at play but also that its a possibility allows us to make conscious decisions about when to trust and when to question
• Wisdom of Pause: Introduce the wisdom of pause in coaching conversations. Sometimes, taking a moment to reflect before diving into questioning can create a space for insight and allow for a more constructive exploration.

Navigating Clients’ Credulity:

As coaches, we often encounter clients whose credulity might be holding them back. :

• Gentle Questioning: Introduce questions that prompt clients to reflect on their beliefs and thinking. This gentle approach encourages a client to look at this without creating resistance..
• Exploration of Perspectives: Through this exploration and a willingness to take a fresh look, they may discover new insights and potential shifts in their understanding.
• Connection with their own inner wisdom/creativity: Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge towards that space where ideas seem to effortless appear from for a client to get an insight that disolves what was holding them back and make it obvious about a next step.

Conclusion:

This quote I think invites us to dance with the paradox of acceptance and inquiry. By finding the delicate balance between the “little” credulity that smooths life’s journey and the transformative power of questioning, we can foster growth within ourselves and guide our clients toward profound insights and positive change. Share your thoughts on this fascinating interplay – what else would you add to the lists I started above? What did this quote prompt for you?

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 suppurt Jen offers here.