Coaching Application
Coaches support clients in so many ways such as creating awareness, building upon strengths, increasing capability, identifying limiting beliefs, changing behaviors, shifting perspectives, acting as a sparring and accountability partner to help the client achieve their goals. There are many tools and techniques available to coaches to support a client’s pathway of development to empowerment.
Coaches need to be aware that the client’s journey to empowerment isn’t linear. There will be a few steps forward, a couple steps backwards, and perhaps a rest before the client regains momentum and takes action to keep moving forward.
One of the greatest gifts we give to our clients is the ability to create a trusting relationship, build connection and hold a space to explore possibilities, so they can unleash their highest potential. By being completely present with the client, empathetic and non-judgmental, coaches show an appreciation for the person’s wholeness as a human being; their inner and outer life—struggles, mistakes, triumphs and successes. We hold a vision of who and what the client can become in their highest expression and noblest aspiration, so they can birth the fullness of their gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world and live a more fulfilled and happier life.
As coaches, we also put ‘a stake’ in the ground and stand for the client’s possibilities and their most empowered future self, especially when the client becomes discouraged. This isn’t about being unrealistic, Pollyanna or enabling someone who doesn’t want to make a commitment. Rather, this is about deepening the coach/client relationship, opening our heart center with greater compassion and honoring their journey as sacred.
Coaches encourage and support in a way that holds the client accountable and at the same time inspires the person to keep growing, evolving, and discovering the power which comes from within. We must believe the client is infinitely resourceful for creating the life of their dreams. Every person has different values, stories, principles, beliefs and cultures; however, we have the same human needs— love, belonging, to find meaning, to make a difference and to know our life matters.
Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways to power.
Jamie Sams
Reflection
- What do you really want in life? Why do you want it? Who do you want to be? What are your dreams? Keep asking these questions, especially the Why, until your answers resonate deep in your heart, and you feel it in every cell of your being.
- Imagine one year, three years and five years from today, you’re looking back. What has to have happened in your body, mind, heart, and spirit to create the life you desire?
- How do you define empowerment? On a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being zero empowerment and 10 being complete empowerment, where do you rate yourself? What do you need to do to move the needle 1, 3, 5 notches to move to a 10?
- What underlying belief is holding you back from a state of empowerment? What habits do you need to change? What are you willing to do to change this? Who can support you?
- What areas of your life are you giving up your power and leaving you discouraged? What is the #1 area you need to start working on to close the gap on who you are and who you want to become?
- What strategies can you put in place to overcome discouragement? How will it make you feel to take these steps?
- What are your values, principles, beliefs, strengths and principles that fuel your passions and build a strong foundation of empowerment?
- What would it take for you to believe in yourself 100% of the time? No limits. Think Big! What powerful questions can you ask your client to help them find meaning in discouragement so they can shift to a more empowered state?
- What common characteristics/behaviors do you see in self-empowered clients?
- What tools and techniques can help your client tap into their intuitive wisdom and bring transformation into their being? How can you support them on their journey?