Intuitive Coaching is coaching at a deeper level. It uses the skills of Coaching Presence, Active Listening, Direct Communication and Trust and Intimacy (ICF core competencies) to help raise a person’s awareness.
Coaching Presence – ‘Ability to be fully conscious and create spontaneous relationship with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible and confident.’ – (ICF core competencies). As coaches it’s important for us to manage our own inner space to ensure we are able to hold the space for our clients. We can do this in a number of ways, such as before the session by getting centered, with breathing or “clearing the mental space”. Also during the session by noticing when our inner dialogue may be hindering coaching presence. For example “I don’t know what question to ask next….” use this as a positive nudge to self that you have lost your coaching presence and bring it back with a strong summary of what you have just heard. This helps create more flow and presence in your coaching.
Active Listening – ‘Ability to focus completely on what the client is saying and is not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client’s desires and to support client’s self-expression.’ (ICF core competencies). Listen at a deeper level with your client by using their own words, sharing when you notice a shift in energy, tone of voice and stretching them with questioning – “I noticed you looked really excited when you discussed that option, your face lit up. What are your thoughts when you hear this back?”
Direct Communication – ‘Ability to communicate effectively during coaching sessions and to use language that has the greatest positive impact on the client.’ (ICF core competencies). Using permission allows you to ask bold questions and be direct in your communication. “Is it ok if I share something with you? I’m noticing you sounded hesitant when you shared that option. What connections are you making?”
All of the above is possible when you have established “Trust and Intimacy” with your client – ‘Ability to create a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust’ (ICF core competencies). This is the coach’s ability to make people feel safe and create a caring and judgement free space, so that deep coaching can occur. It links to the power of psychological safety – “being able to show and employ one’s self without fear of negative consequences of self-image, status or career.” (William A. Kahn – 1990)
It’s also important we check in on our own Psychological Safety. We can do this by asking ourselves “What do I need?” especially when dealing with strong emotions in a coaching conversation. So getting regular supervision and building in a regular reflective practice after sessions. Also using contracting at the start of coaching to ensure boundaries are clear, so where appropriate referrals to other professionals such as counselling can be made.
