But it’s a good start.
In my past life as a wellness coach, I was so prescriptive. Partly because I was in the “expert” role, but partly because I didn’t know any better. Now looking back I can see clearly that it’s essential for the client to have ownership of their transformation, the coach needs to gently guide the exploration that will take them through their hero’s journey. They are at the center of their story, they will be accountable for the daily micro decisions, they will own the results. Through ownership, internal motivation can be born.
This applies to Wellness Coaching, to Executive Coaching, and also to parenting where in the past, most of my sentences began with, “well you know what you need to do is…” It’s very difficult to hold back, to shut up, to instead ask open ended questions without leading the client to the conclusion you’ve already drawn. Asking powerful questions, asking follow up questions for clarification or further depth; that’s what can lead to aha moments.