Embracing Play in Coaching: Learning Beyond Words
Today’s quote of the day,is actually a proverb:
“An hour of play discovers more than a year of conversation does.” (Portuguese proverb)
This timeless wisdom resonates deeply with me in the realm of my approach to coaching because it underscores the transformative power of experiential learning and the importance of infusing playfulness into the coaching journey.
Beyond Theory and Conversation:
We’ve all encountered situations where theoretical knowledge and lengthy conversations fall short in comparison to hands-on experience. The proverb suggests that the richness of discovery during an hour of play surpasses what a year of conversation can offer. As coaches, this insight is a gentle reminder that sometimes, experience becomes the most potent teacher, or at the very least part of the learning experience.
The Nudge to Try:
In coaching conversations, there often comes a point where a gentle nudge is needed to encourage trying something new. The idea is not to achieve perfection instantly but to step into the arena of action and learning. Standing still, paralyzed by the fear of imperfection, is a hindrance to progress. Embracing the willingness to experiment and refine is key to continuous growth. Over the years I’ve had many a conversation where a new coach asks if a particular thing will work for their coaching practice – my answer is often a variation of “Try it and see.” The response I get is often some version of “Am I allowed to do that?”
So I’ve decided, as an experiment, to be more public about new things I’m trying out, in the hope that even if you’re not drawn to any particular solution I’m offering it may just give you a nudge to think about what you could experiment with yourself. If you like a nudge to see what you could play with in your coaching. (For anyone interested in my current experiments you can read more here.)
Playfulness in Coaching:
For me, the spirit of play and experimentation is closely tied to coaching. Exploring from a space of lightness can lead to a very different and more creative experience. It’s an invitation to break free from the constraints of overthinking and embrace the joy of discovering solutions through hands-on engagement.
A Different Experience with Play:
Coaching from the perspective of play can create a refreshing dynamic to how many people try and approach “figuring something out.”. When the coaching process is approached with a sense of fun, I find it opens the door to innovative thinking and novel solutions. It allows clients to explore possibilities without the weight of rigid expectations, fostering an environment where creativity thrives.
The Invitation to Embrace Play:
Today’s invitation is to remember the significance of play in the coaching journey. Embrace those moments of exploration, experimentation, and even failure, knowing that each experience contributes to genuine discovery and learning. Stepping out of the comfort zone becomes an empowering act, and imperfection is not a stumbling block but a stepping stone.
Share Your Thoughts:
Feel free to share your thoughts on this proverb and its implications for how you coach. What does it prompt for you in the context of coaching? Have you experienced the transformative power of play in your coaching relationships? Your insights and experiences are welcome in the comments 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 m
