Insights from coaching BAs

Craig Rollason is being a helpful inspiration at the moment as he suggested I write this article as a contribution to the BA 'tree of knowledge'.

The choice of language is appropriate as I often bring trees or the natural world into coaching sessions.

One of the most powerful is when my clients are confused or uncertain. This is a sure sign they are trying to analyse and find the 'right' answer.

Supporting them in a creative visualisation exercise is an effective way to support them in using their intuition and getting past their cultural and professional training (where only logically reasoned answers are acceptable).

This will involve them imagining a scene in nature, engaging gently and noticing what their attention is drawn to.

This leads to insights, energy and confidence when they have found the answer they needed.

Here are some of the insights.

People approach me when they are feeling unsettled or uncertain on how to proceed

Here are some of the reasons:

• an uncomfortable experience at work that has knocked their confidence.
• a desire to make a big change (e.g. start a business)
• a specific challenge where they feel blocked (this may be a professional or personal project). This often comes with self judgement and the belief they are procrastinating
• they feel they want to be doing something more (e.g. positive impact in society)
• they are drawn to the idea of fulfilling their potential but are not sure how

Underneath this is a desire for change and uncertainty on how to proceed. In particular they lack confidence in themselves and simply don't know how to proceed in a way that works for them.

Our society reinforces that lack of self-belief and encourages us to look outside for answers.

Some questions can best be answered by research and education:

• how do you build a successful business?

Others are more personal and the ones where I focus:

• how can I grow a successful business in a way that motivates and inspires me?

The way forward

The way forward is unique and varies according to the individual and their context.

However, it always has the following characteristics:

• increased self-confidence and energy
• insight into what motivates them as an individual
• increased self awareness
• overcoming the obstacle
• finding and following a path forward
• increased capability to 'self-coach' utilising the natural world

I am writing the book Grow Your Own Guru specifically to support people to develop the capability to coach themselves and find their own way forward.

The services of a professional coach are needed when feeling overwhelmed, confused or feeling blocked and spending time reflecting isn't working. A professional coach provides that perspective unclouded by self-judgement and societal stories.

It does take some time to unlearn the unhelpful thinking and truly believe in and trust yourself. And this is best done when you have the support and backing of those who are pursuing the same aim.

This is why I am currently reflecting on what an ongoing community service might look like.

It will definitely be inspired by the Earthaconter Community and I encourage others to investigate this community to see if it is a good fit for them.