What’s the formula to be a great coach?

In the market today we have a number of train trainer workshops; also, numerous state-of-the-art coach certification programs doing the rounds; some of them are exceptional and the knowledge one gains is inspirational.

I have attended numerous certification programs and this has been the firm foundation on which I truly began my learning and coaching journey.

However, as I look back into the last decade and a half I ask myself this question time and again as to what makes a great coach and facilitator.

So what is it that matters and what is the magic formula?

Many people have various theories like age, experience, university, attitude, knowledge etc.

All this does play some role but for me it’s negligible..

In my  mind, it’s just five simple steps:

1. Work with a Coach
2. To be Vulnerable
3. Compassion
4. To let go
5. Create space to include

 

1. Work with a Coach

As I went deep into the coaching space and completed over 600 hours, I realized, that coaching isn’t a one-time transactional process; to see the difference and grow one needs to be engaged in this space long-term.

As I journey as a coach working with people across the globe; I realised what truly keeps me rooted and strong is working with my own coach.

This is my way to keep clearing my very own cobwebs every week; experience being a client also have an opportunity to imbibe new methods which really empower me in my journey.

As a coach one needs to have enough space to include others; this can only happen when one creates space for themselves.

The only way to do this is to keep clearing and cleaning.

This isn’t a one-time job but a constant and continuous journey; the first step being is to sign up for being a lifelong student.

1. To be  Vulnerable

While working with my coach I realised that there are many stories from my life both personal and professional which needed a lot of attention and work.

Just going deeper into the conversations and making observations, reflecting and working through this was essential in clearing up the space.

Once I was able to work through this it was very transformative.

The essential step here is to speak about it and clearly state the progress made.

To allow ourselves to be vulnerable and share. Vulnerability is an authentic and pure space and  I’m of the opinion that this is the birth space for creativity, innovation and ideation.

It’s a sacred space and if we’re in the role of a coach we need to visit this location.

2. Compassion   

When we role reverse and someone else plays the coach and we’re the client we’re able to realize and understand which techniques and tools aid us as learners and what hampers learning.

We’re able to understand the difficulties the client could have and bring a more holistic and integrated methodology to our own coaching experience.

It allows us to be on the other side; a tool which enables us to connect with Compassion as an emotion.

This is an integral emotion and as a coach, we need to build our very own relationship with this emotion.

3. To let go

I realised as I went through this journey certain behaviours which were unproductive and  in my blind I was able to be more conscious and become a witness to this and slowly bring change.

It was difficult but I could see how I started transforming slowly and steadily.

My landscape completely changed even my relationships and career took a completely new trajectory.

It’s imperative to let go and be flexible and open to change.

In a couple of years of working with the coach, I felt like I was born again and the old Jasmine was a memory in a distant dream.

I myself have difficulty recognising her sometimes; however, she’s a part of me which I have accepted completely and she resides very dearly in my heart.

5  Create space and include

When I coach or facilitate a workshop many times we’re helping people work through certain obstacles and drive change.

This for me is the penny drop moment.

To be an excellent facilitator one needs to first practice what they preach.

This is the moment, where sharing an example of how I did it and the result it got me could create miracles.

In my opinion, the way to being a great coach or facilitator is to become a student, apply, share, and create space for others.

In my journey I’ve seen miracles happen in this space; not just once but time and again.

To be an excellent coach one needs to make space to include others; one can only include if they create space by letting go of their excess baggage so they can help others with their luggage from one destination to another.