Coach Michele’s Group Coaching March 14, 2011

Today’s Topic Techniques – Compassionate Strength

Basics Compassion is a large part of what a coach provides We need to make sure this compassion is healthy, and is the type that heals and grows, not keeps people stuck The right kind of compassion helps a client feel strong and centered

Definitions of Compassion The English noun compassion, comes from Latin meaning to suffer together with Deep awareness and sympathy for another’s suffering, the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it (princeton)

Your Definition of Compassion How would you define or describe compassion? How do you know if someone is being compassionate with you, or showing you compassion?

More Understanding of Compassion in Coaching Compassion has also been described as understanding without judgment (Timo Lehtinen) This is a very helpful definition for a coach, or anyone that wants to truly facilitate the growth of those around them As coaches, of course we would love our clients to “suffer” less, but that doesn’t always mean the immediate relief from difficult situations As coaches, we may “feel” our clients pain, but we don’t suffer with it…That is the huge gift we can give

Discussion – Compassion in Coaching How do we convey compassion in coaching or how does the client know that we empathize? What are the signs that the client just wants a “pity party” and doesn’t want to grow? Do we feel that tears are appropriate, on either end, in a coaching call?

5 Signs Your Helping is Really Enabling You try to change or fix or help with something that the person or client has not asked for help with Your “help” makes it easier for the person to feel like a victim You are compromising your own values You don’t feel right about it The person is not growing out of the situation

Discussion How else do we know when empathy/sympathy or helping gets unhealthy? How, as coaches, can we be sure we are providing the right kinds of empathy/compassion?

Developing Your Compassion As a coach, you can always be developing your ability to have and show compassion I encourage you to truly feel I encourage you to learn ways to think positively about pain…Learn the difference between pain and suffering If you suffer less in your life, you’ll be much less likely to contribute to your clients suffering

Final Discussion Any final thoughts?

Next Session Calls will be held on Monday nights in March Next Session…Mon March 21st, 2011 Mastery