These past weeks have taught me a lot about how coaching can support those facing turmoil
in all aspects of their lives with reduced control over where they can be and what they can do.
Coaching is all about setting a goal and supporting a client in achieving it– what do you want
most to achieve, how can you reach your potential, how can you figure out ‘what’s next?.’
But when your world as you know it has crumbled around you, digging deep to find what’s
most important in the here and now to you can be challenging. Your priorities and life plans
have all changed in an instant and at the same time you are the same person with your
precious hopes and dreams.
Here’s where micro-coaching comes in. Helping a client define small, realistic steps forward
that can be taken in the next one to two weeks builds confidence and instils a sense of agency
and positive outlook. In a supportive space, helping the client to face their new reality, build
their mental and physical resilience can be a game changer in terms of facilitating them in
making good choices, even when limited by circumstance.
There is a delicate balance in keeping the bigger picture up front and central and managing
immediate changing circumstances. Finding moments of ‘feeling yourself’ in spite of new
surroundings helps re-build confidence and is a reminder to the client of their skills and
experience. Clients seem to be able to do this when they can do something they enjoy even
for only an hour: A run, visiting an exhibition their children, making a familiar meal. The
key is to re-connect with the self and one’s strengths.
When the client has a stronger sense of self they are able to face things like supporting those
back home, selling their skills in a new jobs market, learning a new language and navigating
the dearth of life administration.
I have been blown away at the positive energy and determination my clients have shown in
extremely challenging circumstances. I am delighted that coaching can proved a helpful tool
for them in these past couple of months. It’s been my privilege to be their coach.