Coaching in times of uncertainty
This article was originally published in the newspaper “La Estrella” and is part of a biweekly column from the ICF Panama Chapter to disseminate what Professional Coaching is. It seeks to inform, create more awareness and differentiate professional coaching, in which the Coach is governed by ethical principles and is continually improving his or her skills.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF), founded in 1995, is committed to advancing the coaching profession, which is why it has defined a model of key competencies with high ethical standards.
See the original article in this link.
Coaching in times of Uncertainty
To define the role and how Professional Coaching can support in times of uncertainty, instability and change, such as what COVID19 brings us, we need to keep in mind the definition of Coaching, according to the ICF – International Coaching Federation.
Coaching is a process of alliance with clients in which it is promoted through a reflective process. the stimulation of thought and creativity, seeking the maximization of personal and professional potential.
In the coaching process the focus is on the FUTURE, it is focused on developing SOLUTIONS for the future, with how questions. It supports the client in defining and focusing on their purpose, in building their vision, in evaluating current resources and those that need to be developed, in taking actions in accordance with their objectives.
We listen to what the Client is or is not saying, promoting support for the client’s self-expression; that evokes or awakens consciousness, facilitating the client’s understanding and learning through the use of tools and techniques such as powerful questions, silence, metaphor or analogy.
In the coaching process we recognise the emotions present at each moment without negative or positive connotations, we promote reflection on the areas or dimensions in which they are in the client’s control, jointly co-creating the state of mind that makes it possible to create solutions for the future.
Coaching is not Psychotherapy As mentioned in our article published in this column on March 1, 2020, in accordance with the ICF code of ethics, we refer clients to health professionals when we see warning indicators. We do not work in the space of panic, anxiety or depression, but we do work in the space of discomfort which is also a space of creativity and learning.
It is a process that can be carried out VIRTUALLY with effectiveness in results and well-being. Trust can be generated in the same way, and in some virtual processes the reflective process and communication can enhance the coachee’s learning.
Professional coaches work from SERVICE and CURIOSITY and are comfortable with Not KNOWING, which prepares them to support in situations of change and uncertainty. Discover more about the Coach Mentality in the article published in this column on March 15.
From the international and local ICF we work creating spaces for the development of the skills of our members, providing them with tools that allow them to be better Coaches in different contexts. We work locally with the support of an entire international structure to develop ourselves as professionals for the benefit of our clients.
The coaching process being a process of stimulating thought and creativity, from the vision of the desired future to the implementation of actions in the present that create solutions for that future, it can support, in this time of COVID19, among others:
- People who need to develop new solutions for this changing, uncertain and ambiguous reality. We suggest reading in addition the article published in this column on February 20 “When to go to a certified personal coach?
- Leaders who require support in dealing with ambiguity, making difficult decisions, communicating in this time of crisis, creating alliances with all stakeholders and cultivating a strategic leadership vision of today, tomorrow and the future.
- Teams that require developing connections and relationships and evolving into high-performance teams.
The coaching process is not mentoring, it does not indicate what actions or decisions the client should take, it facilitates growth, to transform learning, knowledge and vision into action, promoting the client’s autonomy.
The author is ACC (ICF Associated Certified Coach), Coach in professional development, leadership and teams processes and member of the Board of Directors of ICF Panama.
