How do you keep your Life Coaching communication skills current?

1 Learn from others

One of the best ways to improve your communication skills is to learn from other life coaches who have more experience, expertise, or different perspectives than you. You can do this by joining a professional association, attending workshops, webinars, or conferences, reading books, blogs, or podcasts, or finding a mentor or a peer group. By exposing yourself to different styles, methods, and approaches, you can expand your knowledge, challenge your assumptions, and discover new ways to communicate effectively with your clients.

2 Seek feedback

Another way to keep your communication skills current is to seek feedback from your clients, colleagues, or supervisors. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, measure your progress, and adjust your strategies. You can ask for feedback in various ways, such as using surveys, questionnaires, or rating scales, conducting interviews or focus groups, or requesting testimonials or referrals. You can also use self-assessment tools, such as recording or transcribing your sessions, reviewing your notes, or reflecting on your goals and outcomes.

3 Practice regularly

A third way to keep your communication skills current is to practice them regularly in different situations and contexts. Practice can help you hone your skills, increase your confidence, and overcome your challenges. You can practice by role-playing with a colleague or a friend, volunteering for a community project or a cause, joining a club or a network, or taking a course or a workshop. You can also practice by applying your skills to your own life, such as setting and achieving your goals, managing your emotions, or resolving conflicts.

4 Stay updated

A fourth way to keep your communication skills current is to stay updated on the latest trends, research, and developments in the field of life coaching and related disciplines. Staying updated can help you keep up with the changing needs, expectations, and preferences of your clients, as well as the ethical and professional standards of your industry. You can stay updated by subscribing to newsletters, journals, or magazines, following social media accounts, blogs, or podcasts, or joining online forums, groups, or communities.

5 Be curious

A fifth way to keep your communication skills current is to be curious and open-minded about yourself, your clients, and the world around you. Curiosity can help you explore new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities, as well as deepen your understanding, empathy, and rapport with your clients. You can be curious by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, observing carefully, or trying new things. You can also be curious by seeking feedback, learning from others, practicing regularly, and staying updated.

6 Have fun

A sixth way to keep your communication skills current is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and growing as a life coach. Having fun can help you relax, reduce stress, and boost your creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm. You can have fun by choosing activities that interest you, challenge you, or reward you, by celebrating your achievements and successes, by sharing your experiences and insights with others, or by finding humor and joy in your work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?