What are some mindfulness and resilience techniques for coaching?

I see the coach-coachee relationship as symbiotic and emergent. We are verbs, not nouns. Continuously emerging and evolving. Each time we interact both of us are 'different' and so is the context. Also as we interact, we influence each other and emerge further based on that. Quite a dance :-) Mindfulness can help us do this more consciously and not from our compulsive patterns, preferences, biases, tendencies etc. And recognise the coachees' too. It can lead to doing what's needed rather than only what's planned. This, of course, works best for certain kinds of engagements, especially where transformation is the goal, and the coach is comfortable doing it.

Beyond the commonly recognized advantages, such as improved focus and stress reduction, mindfulness also cultivates observation power, which significantly enhances coaching. Through regular practice, coachees learn to pause before reacting impulsively, gaining a space to assess thoughts and emotions. This mindful detachment enables them to respond thoughtfully, promoting intentional actions and reducing automatic reactivity. Moreover, heightened observation power fosters empathy and patience, leading to improved interpersonal connections and more considered responses. As coaches, we witness coachees transform into mindful observers of their own journeys, capable of navigating life's complexities with greater grace and intention.

One of my favorite coaches and mentors, Dr. Kevin Elko, talks about "being where your feet are". Being present! I realized how much energy I'd been waisting everywhere else in the future or past, and when I focused on doing the next right thing and being a blessing where I was, it's now something I help others with when coaching them.

Mindfulness can, but does not need to, include activities like meditation, breathwork, or somatic exercises. In it's simplest form, it's about slowing down, being present, listening completely, being open to ideas and opportunities that would otherwise be missed due to thoughts stuck in the past or future. It's about opting out of hustling and pushing at any cost - and instead choosing to come back to your why, the heart of your work and being-ness, and seeing the value of the journey and people you're on it with just as much (if not more) than the end goal.

One key learning I have had is the difference between being conscious and being concentrated. In the latter, I have a very focused attention on one object. In the former, I have a broad awareness of things around and within me. These include my sensations, thoughts, feelings, emotions (internal to me) and the sounds, the touch (of the breeze for example), the sight if my eyes are open that are external to me. Last but not the least, becoming aware of the vast space both inside and outside of me. Seeing all these elements in awareness enhances my ability to be awake, aware and attending. This four fold awareness (sounds, sensations, emotions & space) is both a practice and a state of being in true mindfulness.

Resilience coaching is a strong method for overcoming adversity. Resilience coaching gives people the tools to overcome obstacles, improve mental health, and succeed. Resilience coaching uses evidence-based methods and customized tools. Cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, meditation, goal setting, and support networks are examples. Coaches teach resilience through cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies to assist people overcome life's adversities.

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from adversity, adapting positively to challenges. For coaches, understanding resilience is essential to empower clients facing setbacks. It enables coaches to guide clients in developing emotional strength, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies. Recognizing that setbacks are opportunities for growth, coaches can help clients reframe setbacks as learning experiences. By fostering resilience, coaches empower clients to navigate life's complexities, promoting lasting well-being and success.

There are so many ways to develop resilience. A quote I often paraphrase is "the only sure way to never fail, is to never try anything new". From every setback or challenge, look for the lesson - what could have been done differently, or what can be done differently next time

Resilience is about building the maturity and capacity to handle stress, to persevere - but to also know when it's time to close a chapter. It's about choosing to grow instead of shrink in the face of adversity, challenge, and/or crisis. Perhaps most importantly, resilience builds character and empathy. It allows us to not give up on ourselves and others - and to see the good and opportunity when it feels impossible.

You can bounce back only if want and for that you'd need to witness where you failed, acknowledge it, learn from it and plan. You don't need to do the alone. You can seek an accountability partner in a coach.

In executive coaching, integrating mindfulness enhances effectiveness. Begin sessions with grounding techniques, focusing on the present moment. Active listening, devoid of judgment, nurtures client trust. Encourage self-awareness through reflection on thoughts and emotions. Breathing exercises during discussions maintain presence. Introduce mindfulness techniques aligned with client goals, like visualization or body scans. Cultivating mindfulness aids clarity, empathy, and deeper connections, fostering transformative coaching experiences.

An easy question to bring your attention into the present moment is "What do I notice?" Asking this question helps you tune in to your senses and note details of things going on around you and also within you and your client. Noticing doesn't require judgement. You are simple noting things. After you notice a few details in and around you, you will feel more present and able to continue your coaching conversation mindfully.

Starting a coaching session with mindfulness helps both you as coach and your client let go of any distractions and mental chatter. A relaxed mind is more likely to be insightful which means the coach will intuitively be asking better questions and the client is in a better frame of mind to hear the quieter connections of insight. The state of mind you are in also impacts on where your thinking is coming from. Fear based thinking will not be as expansive and the thinking that comes from a relaxed mind and body. If my client is open to mindfulness I will start a coaching session with a body scan, mindful breathing and cantering exercises. Just a few minutes is all you need to settle mind and body.

Focussing on your breath is a technique I use frequently to bring in presence, create a non-judgemental space for coaching conversations.

Resilience comes with confidence. To know your goals ARE POSSIBLE as you KEEP plugging away. The key isn't to fit one lock, the key is to open EACH door to reach your goals and undertand that when you reach one you want another so you need FOSTER each movement as GROWTH and accomplishments. That ANY setback is not a defining moment of failure. It happend SOMEHOW so figure out the root as to why and then MOVE ON! NOT EMPHASIZE on it. Shift and adapt, shift and adapt. The universe will ALWAYS be sending you something you dont expect so just keep plugging away!! Mourn whatever didn't happen but don't stay there long... reflect, stay positive. focus and just KEEP GOING!!

Resilience has a strong connection with optimism that gives the ability to tide over adversity and cope with challenges along the way. It is imperative that the coaches have the ability to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude through the coaching journey. The coaches have to transmit optimism by encouraging the clients to reframe the problems, leverage their strengths and envision the future in the process of change.

I was having a conversation with my coachee just today. I realized that he was very concerned about some future rewards that his organization could give him. He also saw some possible obstacles and was getting very anxious about how to overcome them. The key to resilience in that moment was to understand the following (reframing) truths 1. Every experience offered to us is for our learning and growth. If, instead of getting attached to that, we start worrying about what fame, money, position or status it will bring, our anxiety will be our biggest enemy to achieve anything 2. We have to really reflect who is the doer in that doing. What if I am merely the instrument of the divine. This reframing helps us be resilient.

Practicing resilience in coaching involves strategic approaches. Encourage clients to harness strengths, values, and resources to surmount challenges, fostering self-efficacy and optimism. By reframing difficulties as growth opportunities, clients cultivate a growth mindset and gratitude, amplifying their satisfaction and sense of control. Guiding clients through these strategies empowers them to build resilience, enhancing their capacity to navigate setbacks and thrive in their professional journey.

Resilience requires courage to witness and acknowledge the mistake/failure. A non-judgemental space where the client can objectively look at the situation can be the first step to practice resilience in coaching. Further one, a coach can be an accountability partner who works with the client to chart out the journey to bounce back!

Measuring mindfulness and resilience in coaching involves both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Use pre-and post-assessments to gauge changes in clients' self-reported mindfulness levels. Observe their ability to stay present during sessions. Evaluate their emotional regulation and response to challenges. For resilience, track progress through goal achievement, coping strategies, and shifts in perspective. Regular check-ins and feedback help assess their application of mindfulness and resilience techniques in real-life scenarios. These methods create a comprehensive view of clients' growth, enhancing coaching outcomes.

Combine mindfulness with a future situation with the question, "What might you notice was different if you being particularly resilient?" This helps us bring to mind how we would like to behave in a difficult situation and primes the brain to notice this behaviour when the future situation arises. When we notice evidence of our desired behaviour we become more mindful of how we are or did behave bringing us closer to our desired outcome.

Mindfulness and resilience techniques play pivotal roles in coaching, fostering holistic personal growth. Mindfulness encourages coaches to be fully present, fostering deep connections with clients. Breathing exercises and meditation aid in stress reduction, enhancing resilience. Incorporating gratitude practices cultivates positivity, while reframing challenges builds mental strength. Encouraging self-compassion and goal-setting cultivates lasting resilience. Thus, combining mindfulness and resilience techniques enriches coaching dynamics, nurturing transformative journeys of self-discovery.