Building Trust and Openness in Coaching
Posted on May 29, 2023 by Andre Gunawan, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
This article tells about my personal experience in coaching sessions.
Let me share with you the story of Belinda, a young professional who was referred to me by her organization, a multinational FMCG company from the USA. The purpose was to prepare her for a promotion as Chief Corporate Procurement, while she currently held the position of GM Procurement. With her strong character and unwavering self-confidence, Belinda initially believed that coaching was unnecessary for her upcoming role, as she felt fully capable of handling it on her own.
During our first meeting, it was apparent that Belinda held a self-protective stance, making it challenging for me to establish an open dialogue. Recognizing this, I focused on building a sense of rapport and connection with her. We engaged in casual conversations, allowing the initial tension to dissipate. As the atmosphere became more relaxed, I began employing thought-provoking questions. With each response, I encouraged her to consider different perspectives and shared external insights, seeking her input on various viewpoints.
To my delight, this approach piqued Belinda’s curiosity, and our conversations began to flow more naturally. We engaged as equals, exchanging ideas and experiences. I discovered that by sharing my own past weaknesses and vulnerabilities during my time in the corporate world, Belinda became even more receptive and open. Subsequent sessions became increasingly exciting, and by the end of our engagement, we both agreed that she was fully prepared for her new position.
From this experience, I gleaned a valuable lesson: Trust and openness in coaching can be nurtured by creating an environment of mutual sharing. Sometimes, as coaches, it is essential to reveal our own shortcomings and vulnerabilities, demonstrating that we are human too. By doing so, we foster an atmosphere of trust and authenticity, enabling our clients to embrace vulnerability and engage more deeply in the coaching process.
Lessons Learned by Belinda:
1. Recognizing the value of coaching: Initially skeptical, Belinda discovered the transformative power of coaching in enhancing her readiness for a leadership role.
2. Embracing curiosity: Through challenging questions and diverse perspectives, Belinda cultivated a sense of curiosity, allowing her to explore new possibilities and expand her thinking.
3. Building rapport and trust: The establishment of a genuine connection, characterized by shared experiences and vulnerabilities, facilitated a trusting and open coaching relationship.
4. Embracing vulnerability: Belinda’s receptiveness to her coach’s own weaknesses created a safe space for vulnerability, fostering deeper engagement and growth.
