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A topic very close to my heart. After a marathon to get to my first 100 hours for ACC submission, I realised that I had not spent enough time to reflect and deepen the learning that was emerging from each coaching experience. Yes, reflection after each session is important but taking time out after a century felt important too.
However, it happened to coincide with a busy quarter at work, a visit to London and a bout of sickness which resulted in an unplanned “extra” timeout. For me, this was 6 weeks of no coaching at all. As a result, when I got back into it, I felt my muscles around process, presence, curiosity etc. all weaker than before, leaving me with an unshakeable lack of confidence.
If only I could turn back the clock, I would. Some things I would do differently:
Thankfully, the right solution was around the corner. A 2.5 day coaching intensive (#coachingunlimited) with like-minded power coaches and trainers from Regal Unlimited left me buzzing with new-found enthusiasm in being able to regain those muscles. Detailed feedback from my mentor, Subash CV, on an observed coaching session served as a mirror to highlight my “near misses” against the ICF coaching competencies.
As I was trying to re motivate myself, nudging from another mentor, PK Narayan, helped me further. He asked me point blank, “Isn’t it better to be in the “near miss” zone than further away?”. That was the pep talk I needed to focus on my coaching sessions as opposed to what had happened. Now, as I near my 150th hour, my muscles feel stronger, I have more energy and am definitely back to my “more confident” self.
A personal note:
Thank you Sandeep for giving me the opportunity to share my views on this important subject of timeout and rejuvenation for coaches. And more importantly, kudos to you for putting our thoughts together so seamlessly.
The universe works in mysterious ways. It was your article on “Opportunity to be coached” that got us re-connected again after so many years. Your next article on “Strategic timeout” has led me to write my first article on LinkedIn. My peer coaches know just how many times this topic has come up for coaching as I struggled to find my words. So, two reasons for me to be grateful to you for.
