Toward Achieving Unconscious Competence as a Coach

Becoming a certified coach from ICF was on my bucket list for the last five years. But, as destiny would have it, got the opportunity to do it in the year 2024 only. I chose CTT and I must admit I was happy with my due diligence process and decision.

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The unique learning model adopted by CTT for facilitation, perfected over the last seven-eight years was very experiential, non-intrusive, and non-directional but still thought-provoking, and insightful. ?A very deep thought was given to designing the learning journey using Adult learning principles and keeping four types of learning styles in mind. It facilitated shifts in my being.?

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The mentor coach’s natural style of coaching jelled very well with my natural style of learning and being. Both of us had undergone T- group experiential learning labs earlier in our respective careers. But I was amazed at his ability to connect with all the cohorts simultaneously, in the way they felt comfortable although all of us from different backgrounds, cities and professions. It was a very comfortable space for all of us to experience coaching. I loved one statement made by our affable, cool and very humble mentor coach, “Coaching is not doing, but Being.”

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Thought-provoking and insightful statements made by our mentor coach like “Coaching is not skill-based, it’s competency based.” Or, “You don’t have to take responsibility for the choices made by client”, were both thought-provoking and helped me unlearn.

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I was not alone, I could see a lot of unlearning happening in the group in the first few weeks. The group started becoming a team. Relations were forged. I got a very safe space to be vulnerable and experiment with my behaviour, beliefs and identity as a client.

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Throughout my career, I thought it was my responsibility to guide, direct, help and groom. And just imagine my state of vagueness when I confronted myself with the state of not knowing. And then experimenting with coaching from the space of not knowing and the joy of discovering that not knowing can bring about gems of revelation for both the coach and the client.

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I have a judgemental approach which I was aware might hinder coaching, I decided to practice just being present in the moment with the client. The results were more than enchanting for both me and the client.

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How and when did I transform from learning coaching to becoming a coach I can’t pinpoint with accuracy, and that according to me is a perfect learning journey. I can safely and proudly say, I moved from the stage of Unconscious Incompetence to Conscious Competence. With regular practice, I will reach the stage of Unconscious Competence.

I can go, on and on but then… space and time are limited!!!!

Author - Jaidev Singh Jolly