Imagining Coaching 10 Years From Now

I was delighted to attend a webinar on this topic. And to hear from inspiring, insightful coaches and coaching thought leaders.

I took away several key ideas, but I'll pick up just one theme in my Blog today.

I've written before about re-looking at the purpose of Executive Coaching. Questioning the foundational beliefs and assumptions of Executive Coaching, and considering how these need to be reviewed - particularly in light of our world today, and everything that is happening. Taking account of the world round about us, the context in which we all operate - which includes the social, political, economic, geopolitical, justice, climate, existential, and spiritual.

It was so heartening to hear the speakers refer to this external context - and to talk to the role of coaching within this.

The key speakers were:

• Eve Turner, past Chair of APECS, founder of the Global Supervisors' Network, and co-founder of the CCA
• Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO of the ICF
• Hetty Einzig, a member of the Association for Coaching Global Leadership Team, as AC Director of Publications Strategy and Executive Editor of Coaching Perspectives, the AC global magazine
• Anjali Nair, Past President of the International Association of Coaching, and
• Rita Symons, Former President of EMCC UK.

As Hetty Einzig pointed out (paraphrased):

"Coaching is one of the few helping professions that absolutely has within its mandate, the linking and bridging of the inner and the outer."

That is:

"We enable the client to look at what's going on inside themselves (i.e. self awareness) AND to be aware of others and the context.

As coaches, we're eco-systemically and contextually aware, because we can't not be if we're helping people survive and thrive and change the rules of the game in organisations. Changing the rules - whereby organisations can be more healthy and holistic, where people can thrive rather than feel burnt out.

To do all of this, we have to look at both the inner and the outer."

She believes we are fortunate to be in this 'mongrel' profession.

The word 'mongrel' she points out, is a positive word, because we draw on many roots and disciplines (e.g. psychology, psychotherapy, education and performance sports) - therefore, we are well equipped to keep on evolving. We are robust, we are resilient, we can sway in the wind.

We make ourselves fit for purpose.

To keep evolving, we need to maintain attention on what is happening in the world.

I admit, what is happening in our world is so complex, it's hard to keep track of it all. It's hard to know 'where to start' to get a handle on the challenges of our time.

But actually, I think we all feel it. We just know 'There's something wrong'.

And we don't have to have a PhD in all the relevant disciplines, in order to know this.

And we don't have to have a PhD in all the relevant disciplines, in order to be able to 'respond' in an appropriate, helpful way.

As coaches, working with people in all walks of life, we are perfectly positioned to 'respond well', to make a difference.

The magic is, WHEN WE CHANGE, WE ARE ALREADY COACHING DIFFERENTLY.

Because of 'complex living systems'. Because of our 'interconnection'. Because of the power of our right hemisphere brain. This is paradigm shift. Or, a shift in consciousness.

Yes, we may choose to become more aware of the various crises in our world, to educate ourselves, to educate others, to advocate for change. Plenty of that is certainly needed! AND...don't stop yourself from knowing that you make a difference through having had a change in how you perceive the world. You are then, already different. And how you show up in the world will be different. I encourage you to find your groove in the world. What matters most to you, what you are passionate about, what breaks your heart or alternately fills you with hope. That's your starting point.

And then given this.....imagining us all 10 years from now as coaches?!

Hetty Einzig wonders whether 'coaching' will still even be called 'coaching'!

Isn't that inspiring and freeing?!

And yes, our coaching bodies play an important role. Eve Turner envisages that coach training programmes will naturally include the context of the wider world - the social, environmental, political, economic. Also AI and social justice. We will all be discussing this as we train as coaches.

Inner and outer.

Magdalena Nowicka Mook also points to the bigger context, the importance of many factors including AI.

Hetty Einzig referred explicitly to the political turmoil in our world - tensions around the political and the religious. And 'the gap' which secular societies have. People are yearning for the spiritual. For enchantment again. She predicts that coaching will more overtly work in this space, as the next ten years progress.

Anjali Nair pointed to the importance of starting to listen to different voices in the world, voices which haven't been heard until now. And the importance of coaches doing their own inner work, their own development, such as spiritual development.

Inner and outer.

WILL coaching still be called coaching, in 2034?!

Feels like a gauntlet has been thrown down.....

How do we stay abreast of the work that is ours to do, the way in which we need to 'read the world' and know how we can best contribute, perhaps what unexamined assumptions about coaching (and who we are as a coach) that we need to challenge, in order to create new ways of working and new beliefs?

Before you go….

If you enjoy my Blog, if you’re stimulated by what I write about, if you resonate with some of my themes, if you’re curious to explore more (E.g. your tussle with what you believe privately but is increasingly at odds with how you need to show up in the workplace….) you might be interested in this offer….

I’m setting up a new group, to bring professionals together, to enable exploration of these themes – these challenges of our time.? This will be a Professional Practice Group, facilitated by myself.

It may mostly consist of Executive Coaches, Coaching Supervisors, and those in related fields such as HR, OD, Talent; but I also really welcome in professionals in other Executive roles, Operations, scientists, strategists, policy developers etc.

Do get in touch if you’d like to join.? The Professional Practice Group will commence in September, sessions will be held online, probably monthly.? The fee will be commensurate with ability to pay.

Contact me: [email protected]

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Alongside this offer, I have spaces for 1-1 Coaching Supervision, and am in the process of setting up a new Supervision Group (4 Executive Coaches, for bimonthly 90 minute online sessions).? Do reach out if you’d like an informal conversation about these offerings!

[email protected]

'Til Next Time, Go Well.....