How do you create more flow in your sessions.
Flow vs structure which is best?
This article looks at the application of Positive Psychology and Neuroscience to help you create more flow and presence in your coaching.
So what is Flow? Mihalv Csikszentmihalvi a Positive Psychologist describes it as “…being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”(positivepsychology.com)
So what is Coaching Presence?- ‘Ability to be fully conscious and create a spontaneous relationship with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible and confident’ (ICF)
For a coach it can be looked at in 3 ways;
- Before the coaching session
- During the coaching session
- Application of Positive psychology/neuroscience to back this up
Flow & Coaching Presence starts before the Coaching Session
It starts with you as a coach.
- How do you prepare for the session?
- How do you increase your presence before the session?
- How do you show up?
Neuroscience and Positive Psychology tips to increase Flow & Coaching Presence before the Coaching Session
Neurocognitive researcher Arne Dietrich says that in a flow state the PFC is less engaged (Transient hypofrontality), so other areas can take over. This is a good thing as it frees us up temporarily from processes such as self-consciousness and self-talk. Flow which is linked to meditative states can even reduce the Amygdala (linked to overwhelm).
We are wired to look for threat which activates our limbic system, so calming down your limbic system both before and during a coaching session is key.
- Check in on your own presence – body scan, breathing and get centred.
- Notice any emotions and label them. This indicates to your limbic there is no threat.
- Your Pre-frontal Cortex (PFC) is limited to 7-9 bits of information, so don’t overload it. Aim to focus on 1 or 2 things in your session rather than 10, otherwise you’ll cause overwhelm.
Flow & Coaching Presence during the Coaching Session
How do you create more flow & presence during the coaching session?
The ICF identifies some elements that demonstrates a Coach is present in the session as the are;
- Totally focused and responds to what is happening in the moment
- Able to express own inner knowing in a way that is valuable to the client
- Takes a risk to share something or challenge the client
- Able to use humour and create lightness in the session
- Confidently and easily thinks of new perspectives and ideas
- Able to stay focused when client is expressing strong emotions
- Easily chooses which way to work with a client
- Able to clarify accurately what the client is saying
Neuroscience and Positive Psychology tips to increase Flow & Coaching Presence during the Coaching Session
- Use your structure to top and tail your session, so you can be in the flow in the middle. So a clear context at the start and a clear completion at the end.
- Reduce your note taking to actions and insights and key words
- Regulate emotion during the session too and check in like you did at the start
Just raising your awareness is key. Oh and enjoy! This naturally creates more flow and coaching presence!
