How can you learn about emerging trends in coaching from your network?

Attending conferences can be great if that's your cup of tea. Post pandemic, I know of a lot of coaches (and business professional alike) who no longer wish to go personally to conferences but rather attend virtually. I feel it's a matter of preference these days and yes, sure you may be able to create stronger connections live vs. virtually but that shouldn't stop you either way if there is indeed someone or something you wish to see. My only caution is again to do your research. There are WAY too many conferences targeted to coaches from "influencers" who will promise you the moon but you will pay through the stars. Figure out what you want first and work backward to obtain it. Yourself and wallet will thank you.

I think I have mentioned this previously and elsewhere but please be CAREFUL before blindly following someone who calls themselves an "influencer" or is "promoting something too good to be true" because guess what? It is and they are not (an influencing) but rather "marketing" very smartly I will add to you the coach. Yes, there are many reputable coaches, authors and speakers out there on the circuit but they don't call themselves influencers so maybe it's the AI here but that term should take a long nap. Whether it's TED Talks or podcasts, comedians or Coachella - figure out your needs first and then work backward. There's nothing worse or more valuable than giving your money to some pseudo-influencer... oh wait, yes there is - your time.

See my comment above around "Joining Coaching Associations" -- however, I would CAUTION any newer coach from joining any online group that promise to promote you and your practice. +++ PLEASE READ: The majority of these so-called platforms are mining for your data and info to prop their platform up for sales/advertising or potentially selling that data to someone else. IF you are going to sign up on one of these boards do your HW first and ask them/you: - How will you promote me over the others? - What are your means/process for doing it? - Who is your audience and how do you capture them? - What is your click-thru and visitor rate on your site? - What is the % of new clients I can get and your take from it? Don't be fooled. Be smart.

Your clients are an excellent way to learn more about any potential gaps or blindspots you have within your practice or coaching style. If your clients are making requests for something specific to be coached on that is great news and shows they trust you and are engaged - roll with it and upskill what you need to support their request and development. In addition, get curious about those you coach, their industries, requests, and levels of leadership -- what common themes, skills, trends or goals are you noticing? Become a detective and you may just find the answers you are seeking right in front of you!

An example would be, especially as a coach to organisations and teams, prioritising personal reflection after each session. In cases where a key benefit is raising awareness and insight into systemic behaviour this provides the opportunity to reflect on what was missing, or what things are linked/decoupled. I find this is the time I can think: aha! What if we brought these people together in these ways? What insight would emerge? And what capability or skill would I use to do this that I have underused so far?

Taking turns helping and being helped is an invaluable and almost free way to learn how to be a better coach/counsellor/consultant/mentor. I spend a few hours each month in total doing this with different people. If you ask for and offer feedback after each half-session you both get better at giving and receiving help. Being "coached" is the only way to keep noticing how uncomfortable it can be to be listened to with aware attention. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.

I would add we should look at how coaching is evolving. A common trend I see and many clients requesting is intuition and inner wisdom which has been lacking in professional circles. I would say to look at trends in mainstream self development for clues on where coaching is going and what tools we will need in the future