The Transformational Journey: From Alcoholics Anonymous to Executive Coaching

Born out of an appreciation for the potential of applying the twelve-step philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous to corporate structures, my coaching journey took root. I started with the premise that individuals and corporate teams could improve by adopting these steps, albeit slightly adapted to fit their unique needs, but maintaining their core spirit. After several successful corporate workshops, I sought to formalize my approach, driven by the desire to amalgamate my 28 years in recovery with the teachings from the Rotman School of Business.

Service to others has always been a vital part of my life, a beacon that guided me in my pursuit of coaching. This guiding principle and my passion for simplifying complex models and ideas fuel my ambition to pivot from my established professional path into full-time coaching. Working with individuals on a one-to-one basis, witnessing their moments of realization, and helping them find solutions that suit their needs is incredibly fulfilling. This joy and satisfaction motivate me to make coaching an integral part of my life's work.

Initially, my assumptions about coaching were influenced by my personal experiences in Alcoholics Anonymous, where I guided others through their recovery. However, my time at Rotman made me realize the striking difference in the essence of coaching. While both roles involve leading individuals through challenging times, coaching requires that solutions come from the clients themselves. It is not prescriptive but rather depends on the client's accountability. This realization transformed my approach, reminding me that my role as a coach is to help my clients navigate their path rather than prescribing a predetermined set of steps.

My passion for coaching is deeply rooted in my love for interpersonal connections. Much of my career has been spent addressing groups or large audiences, but I now find genuine fulfillment in the intimacy and trust that characterizes one-on-one coaching. This passion fuels my coaching strengths, which include simplifying complex issues and attentive listening – a skill honed through countless recovery meetings.

To me, the essence of coaching lies in the client's experience. I strive to ensure that my clients receive my undivided attention and energy, guaranteeing that their needs remain central to our work. My approach is informed by my learnings from faculty and supervisors, allowing me to continually refine my techniques and grow as a coach. My client's satisfaction and constructive feedback from supervisors provide the balance necessary to foster continual improvement.

My coaching journey is still in its early stages, and while some clients have reported favourable results, there have been instances where the benefits have not been as apparent. However, I'm prepared for such variability, and it's important to acknowledge that this is part of the process. I aim to accrue more robust outcomes as I progress, gradually cementing my credibility as a coach.

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Coaching is as multi-faceted as it is rewarding, where each coach brings a unique perspective to their practice. With an unwavering commitment to service and individual development, I've found that my coaching is shaped by humility, recognizing that it's not my role to control the situation or impose a preconceived path upon the client. Instead, I seek to facilitate their journey to their unique "base camps" in both professional and personal lives within boundaries that are relevant and beneficial for them. This perspective is deeply grounded in my AA background and service concept.

Understanding coaching is essential to this practice, and my definition draws from the foundational preamble taught in class. Executive coaching, in essence, is a partnership with clients where creativity, thought provocation, and inspiration come together to boost personal and professional growth, driving toward maximizing potential. This approach can be deployed anywhere, and while so far, most of my sessions have been virtual, I aim to incorporate face-to-face interactions for a more tangible connection.

Personal values and beliefs form the bedrock of my coaching methodology. At the heart of it all, I firmly believe in equality, empathy, and kindness, echoing a deep respect for others and an eagerness to help. This belief extends to recognizing the inherent potential in every individual, affirming that everyone has value and matters. Honesty, openness, and presence are the guiding principles that underscore my value system.

Theories and models further support this purpose, with the CLEAR and STOKERS models being two examples that I find particularly helpful. However, my approach is not rigid or overcomplicated, acknowledging the importance of continuous learning and development. This perspective is supported by the ongoing readings from the book "Becoming a Coach," which has provided valuable insights and techniques.

Evaluating the effectiveness of my coaching has been anchored in two key sources. First, constructive feedback from my teachers and peers at school has been instrumental in refining my methods. Second, client satisfaction, demonstrated through actionable exits and a sense of fulfillment from sessions, provides tangible evidence of the value they see from their sessions.

Despite being in the early stages of my coaching journey, I'm starting to see how science and art might inform my approach, but I'm not quite there yet. The art form of being present and mindful, as described in Presence-Based Coaching, is a concept that resonates strongly. While I have yet to explore the scientific aspects in depth, I remain open to incorporating these elements as I progress.

Boundaries and limits are integral to ethical and effective coaching. Acknowledging when a client needs more specialized support, such as psychotherapy or counselling, or when legal aspects are involved is crucial. Maintaining these boundaries is an ongoing learning process, where readings and case studies from "Becoming an Exceptional Coach" have proven invaluable. The book's real-world examples of addressing personality or belief system challenges and where to draw the line have equipped me with practical tools to navigate these sensitive areas better. While the reading about the subject is plentiful, the best way to start this exercise is to speak to a coaching supervisor about a client or situation of concern before moving into action. I am still far too inexperienced as a coach to begin to tackle that in isolation.

My coaching approach is one of service, empathy, and individual potential, informed by practical models and theories while receptive to ongoing learning and adaptation. The journey may not always be clear-cut, but with respect for boundaries and the client's unique needs, it's a journey I'm committed to facilitating to the best of my ability.

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Coaching is a holistic process, a guide to seeking self-improvement and growth. As a budding coach, I uphold the CLEAR model as my beacon. Why CLEAR? It reflects the simplicity I seek in my coaching approach, a foundation from which I continually grow and evolve. The steps are deliberate and mindful, a gentle reminder to walk before I sprint.?

My coaching process might be elementary, yet it has profound implications. It's a journey that begins with reconnection, setting the stage for a collaborative relationship between the client and me. This connection paves the way for a contract, a mutual agreement that defines the roadmap for our journey together. We then explore this contract, unearthing actionable insights and establishing tangible goals. These stages mirror the CLEAR model's simplicity and effectiveness, underpinning my current coaching approach.

Identifying appropriate interventions forms a critical component of this journey. The decision to use one stems from comprehensive note reviews, identifying areas of concern. Given my nascent stage in this journey, it is infrequent to resort to interventions. But when needed, I find solace in a supervisor's guidance. Their wisdom and experience become my guiding light, steering me through these uncharted territories. The interventions serve as stepping stones in my coaching journey, with a mentor's wisdom to lean on.

So, what dictates the future of my coaching approach? How do I choose the next step? The answer to this, I've found, lies in simplicity and mindfulness. As I complete the course and venture into professional coaching, I plan to be meticulous, ensuring that my course requirements are delivered and that I align with the AC (Association for Coaching) and ICF (International Coaching Federation) competencies. I seek to move forward with a clear and focused path.

But amidst the rush to grow, I make room for reflection. I pause to absorb the magnitude of the journey so far, the challenges faced, the moments of frustration, and the victories won. I bask in the gratitude expressed by my clients, their appreciation serving as a testament to my efforts. To me, it is the true essence of service - offering empathy and guidance to help others benefit from the time spent with me.?

A series of rigid steps or immediate goals do not bind my journey as a coach. It is a fluid, evolving process marked by a sincere desire to serve. The future may hold countless possibilities, but I am in no rush. I take my time to reflect on choosing my path. This measured approach stems from the invaluable lessons learned from the Rotman faculty. Equipped with these insights and my CLEAR model, I am ready to traverse the path ahead, carrying the momentum forward.

In conclusion, my approach to coaching is conversational and mindful. I seek to grow and evolve yet maintain the simplicity at the core of my coaching process. Any journey presents challenges and unexpected turns, but with a steady hand on the helm and a clear vision, I am confident in navigating the future.?

This is my coaching journey: growth, service, and continual evolution. Progress over perfection.