EVOKES AWARENESS

 20220505 Module 10

Key Idea: Facilitates client insight and learning by using tools and techniques such as powerful questioning, silence, metaphor or analogy.

The competency of being able to “Evoke Awareness”, is probably to me the most significant, powerful & enlightening skill of a Coach. It is the ability to create those “Aha!”, realisation-inducing & revelation-discovering  moments that bring about change in an individual. It is a competency that brings a different perspective, and perhaps even changes one’s viewpoint of the situation they are going through. During one of the most challenging moments in my career, I had the privilege to be coached to take a step back & away from my situation. I was coached to “Perceptual Positioning” that gave me a wide-view perspective that allowed me to take in the bigger picture, which brought about awareness. From that position and perspective then, I was coached to make clear, logical decisions that weren’t tainted by strong emotions that were attached to the situation. 

It was incredibly liberating to know that I could make my own decisions & take positive actions moving forward. Instead of “playing victim” and whining about things happening to me, I was able to reframe my mind, ask myself what could be done in the situation, and take ownership for my own actions. That to me was an incredible moment of self-awareness & awakening. To quote our session pdf notes, ““Being aware is like breathing; it is fundamental to our everyday existence. Without awareness we are moving throughout life without breath, without direction, without connecting with others and thus ourselves. Creating awareness through our Coaching will enhance the process of self-discovery and personal innovation for the Coachee and help design the stage for new experiences and a more fulfilling life!”

With the tools I have learned, and equipped with powerful questions to reflect on, I am certainly looking forward to engineering a more purpose-driven, and more fulfilling life for myself and that of my family. The following are 11 sub-points to this competency:

1. Considers client experience when deciding what might be most useful - their past & current position & situation.

2. Challenges the client as a way to evoke awareness or insight - Be brave to challenge thoughts & beliefs.

3. Asks questions about the client, such as their way of thinking, values, needs, wants and beliefs - Be curious & unafraid.

4. Asks questions that help the client explore beyond current thinking - take them out of the current thought flow, (use Perceptual Positioning)

5. Invites the client to share more about their experience in the moment - Evoke thought & emotions, awareness of where he is now & how it makes him feel.

6. Notices what is working to enhance client progress - Awareness of what’s good and what’s working for him now; What works vs what’s important.

7. Adjusts the coaching approach in response to the client’s needs - “Start with the end in mind.” What does success look like to the Client?

8. Helps the client identify factors that influence current and future patterns of behavior, thinking or emotion - “Connect the dots”

9. Invites the client to generate ideas about how they can move forward and what they are willing or able to do - How much are you willing to sacrifice to achieve the goal that you want?

10. Supports the client in reframing perspectives - Reframe from negative to positive. Allow Client to see the positive side of things; Listen for the person behind the words. We are the thinking partner to see alternate opportunities for him to reconsider.

11. Shares observations, insights and feelings, without attachment, that have the potential to create new learning for the client.