Coaching Way of Being - The Ideal Attributes for Coaches
Dr Carl Rogers was a humanistic psychologist, who founded the Person Cantered approach-the relationship between the coach or supervisor and the client is key to opening up growth for the client. Without this relationship, these ‘new’ techniques, methods, models, and psychometrics most likely will not be of much use or enable lasting change.
Carl talked about coaches or supervisors creating a ‘reasonable climate for growth’ so that human beings can develop all their capacities in a way which serves to maintain and enhance them; for the individual to grow, mature, feel enriched and overcome obstacles for pain.
Rogers identified three personal qualities on the practitioner’s part which are essential for the provision of this ‘climate’.
The coach’s way of being needs to be evident in how the coach is in touch with their feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
The coach needs to be as non-judgemental as possible and accepting of the client, positive and warm towards them without reservation.
The coach needs to build a deep empathic understanding through true listening, relevant responses, and presence.
Rogers based his thinking on two foundational premises. First, he proposed that people are their own best experts. People know themselves better than others can. Secondly, people naturally grow towards achieving their full potential.
“People are their own best experts… and naturally grow towards achieving their full potential.”
The ideal attributes for coaches based on Rogers, ‘way of being’ are highlighted below. Self-awareness is important as you consider each point.
The most effective coaches are humble. Without humility, it is difficult to enter equal relationships.
The most effective coaches are confident in their ability as coaches. Confidence in our coaching ability can be picked up by the coachee and any self-doubt on our part can be contagious.
The most effective coaches care about people. Making things better for people should be the primary drive for a coach!
The most effective coaches believe that their coaches will achieve more of their potential. The belief of the coach is an integral part of the self-belief of the coachee.
The most effective coaches treat others with respect. Coaches must respect their clients and be able to demonstrate this respect quickly and consistently.
The most effective coaches have integrity. Trust is built as coaches start to recognise that their coaches always operate with integrity.