Having a coaching presence makes a difference
As a coach-leader, presence is highly important, particularly during coaching sessions. But presence doesn’t just mean being there physically, it also means being fully conscious of the person we are engaging with, creating a safe and supportive environment for their exploration, growth and learning.
“Coaching presence” could also simply mean “being in the moment”.
These past few weeks we’ve discussed coaching skills such as active listening, asking powerful questions and so on, and while these are all important skills to have, I would say the number one skill coaches and leaders need to build is coaching presence. It’s the difference between a good session and a transformative one.
Here are some tips to cultivate presence in a coaching session:
Centering and preparation:
Before the session, take a few moments to centre yourself. Engage in a mindfulness practice, deep breathing, or any activity that will help you become fully present in the moment. Remind yourself, “It’s not about me. I’m here to serve”.
Non-judgmental attitude:
Maintain an open attitude throughout the session. Accept the coachee's thoughts, feelings, and experiences without imposing your own biases or preconceptions.
Be free of the anxiety of finding solutions:
Learn to be comfortable working in a space of not knowing. Let go of the need to find a solution, but instead adopt a solution enabler attitude. Remain curious and just explore.
Avoid being self-critical:
Don’t worry about what the coachee will think about you. If you asked a weak question during the session, don’t beat yourself up about it. Stay confident.
Pause to reflect:
It’s ok to take a moment to reflect on what was said by a coachee before continuing on with the next question. If you’re uncomfortable, then jus
Coaching presence is a skill that can be developed with practice. Seek feedback from the coachee and your colleagues to enhance your ability to be fully present and impactful during coaching sessions. ●