The Magic of Coaching Supervision with a Translator
Stephanie Lam MSc, MCC (ICF), MP (EMCC), ESIA
Supporting you to open your next door with hope
New Year, New Experience! Never did I imagine conducting coaching supervision in an unfamiliar language for one-on-one sessions. Despite not understanding a single word, the session turned out to be incredibly successful with a translator @Huong Nguyen Thi Thuy.
Recently, I had the privilege of accepting an invitation from EMCC to supervise two Vietnamese coaches, both passionate and eager to grow. Before the first session, I wondered how the dynamic would work without understanding the language and with a translator. This experience brought back memories of my scuba diving instructor training, emphasizing the importance of trusting instincts and letting go.
The first supervisee displayed pure coaching instincts, hindered by language barriers causing anxiety. I observed and followed her body language, energy shifts, facial expressions, and tone of pace. By the end, she shed tears of happiness, having overcome fear and envisioned her future state.
The second supervisee, confident and experienced, conveyed energy and power with every word. Noticing her hand movements, I witnessed her connection to her true self and heart. Reflecting on these experiences, I realized the importance of the principle "knowing without knowledge" – trusting the process and letting go.
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Even with a translator present, the impact on outcomes was remarkably positive. The teamwork created a partnership and supportive environment, fostering a non-judgmental mindset. In a one-on-one session, the process with trust became a partnership – cocreating a safe space, building trust, and maintaining full presence together.
Language barriers, common for second-language speakers, didn't hinder the session but added a unique dimension to our collaboration. It's not about perfect speech or vocabulary; it's about enjoying the moment with partners – supervisee, coachee, and translator. This experience goes beyond overcoming limiting beliefs associated with language; it's about connecting with one's true self.
In addition, these experiences reaffirmed how much I enjoy my coaching and coaching supervision work. It is a true honor to collaborate with experienced, intelligent, and insightful clients and coaches from diverse backgrounds and nations. While not every partnership is a perfect fit, witnessing the synergy that emerges during the process feels like dancing in the moment.
#CoachingSupervision #Coaching #Supervision #EMCC #LanguageBarrier #Trust #Prescence #DiversityandInclusion
Le potentiel collectif des équipes & de leurs dirigeants au service de la performance
1 å¹´Thanks for sharing this! ??
Inner peace the ultimate goal? ??
1 å¹´Great sharing your experience Stephanie Lam MSc, MCC (ICF), MP (EMCC). Thanks a lot! ??
Planet needs sustainable business & leadership. I partner with executives, teams, and changemakers to shift from their Ego patterns to their Powerful impact beyond business ||Global Master Executive & leadership Coach
1 å¹´What an interesting experience! Translator like AI is at our service. I know how much you are an amazing supervisor and coach. I remember our sessions. I share your point: perfect vocabulary is not a required condition for (high level) coaching and supervision. There is so much beyond this. I remember that lots of people told me not to try my ICF MCC in English because it is not my mother tongue. I did it in English and it went VERY well and I got my MCC on the first try. Behind people's speech, there is their belief. Their speech means more something about them. I think about my experience with a HR and coaching firm here in Hong Kong telling me after having met everybody and made a one-week training and more: "We realize that we can not work with you due to your french accent". I was so chocked. Stepping back, it might mirror a tendency for control, perfectionism, performance, image, and/or something else. We all grow at our pace. I congratulate you, Stephanie, on your desire, courage to try something new, to challenge yourself and on making such a great impact. Your clients are lucky to have you as a coach and /or supervisor?? . Thanks for sharing your experience. Much appreciate it.
Leadership for a Transforming World: Leadership Coach, Facilitator and Convenor: creating islands of coherence in you, in us, for us.
1 å¹´How interesting! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on being will to try.
Senior Consultant - Talent Strategy, Organization Development & Transformation at Mercer
1 å¹´Thanks for sharing your exceptional coaching supervision experience! It reinforce the importance of trust and living the moment with the coachee.