Coach of the Month – May 2016 – Coaching Q & A « Executive and Life Coaching Courses and Information

Our community of professional coaches at Positive Success Group is active and dynamic. Every single coach brings their unique set of skills, experience and knowledge into this community. They understand the importance of sharing their knowledge and investing in continuous learning. Connect with our Coach of the Month if you are inspired or motivated by their journey.

In May, we are happy to introduce the next Coach of the Month – Patrica Tiernan. We asked Patricia to answer 3 questions about her main lessons learnt since qualifying with the Coaching Diploma, her fulfillment gained and her predictions for the development of the coaching profession.

Take a look at our Coach of the Month – May 2016 Coaching Q & A

PSG: Since qualifying, what are the top 3 lessons you have learnt that support your growth as a coach:

Patricia

I notice in many of my coaching clients something that I recognise in myself – the need for instant perfection. For instance, the moment I graduated (truth be known even before I finished my studies) I put pressure on myself to perform like a master coach. Through reflective practice and supervision, I’ve learnt to be more realistic in my expectations of myself. Seeing mistakes as part of the learning process and looking for ways to develop from them has been a much more effective means of development than dwelling on my faults.

Before opening my coaching business I agonised at length over all the reasons the business could fail which was very debilitating. Eventually, through focusing my attention on the type of business I wanted to build and why, an excitement grew that overshadowed my fears. Our imagination and gut instinct have so much power but so often we stop ourselves from tapping into this amazing resource because we get stuck on the ‘how’. As Henry Ford famously said ‘If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing you are right’.

Having a goal and striving to meet it can bring great happiness regardless of whether you meet the goal fully or not. As a Coach, this should sound obvious but I used to hold an opposing inherited belief that shouted, ‘you should just be happy with your lot’. Maureen Gaffney helped reframe this for me when I watched her explain the scientific research showing that having yearly goals in different aspects of our lives helps us flourish and live happier lives. We are often far more capable than we think, and continuously challenging ourselves helps us see that and live our lives to our true potential.

PSG: To – date, as a coach, what has brought you the most fulfillment?

Patricia

When I reflect on my work where I have felt most fulfillment is supporting clients who are struggling to achieve promotion. It never fails to inspire me when the client uncovers the nugget that has been holding them back, lets go and takes action to move on. The value of coaching is really tangible, when you witness clients grow in self-confidence in this manner. It’s an amazing feeling to play a small part in that.

The other area is where clients overcome obstacles and realise their purpose. I really enjoy bearing witness to this discovery as it can often be so visual in nature. A change can come over the clients face and body, as if a dark cloud has been lifted and they feel in harmony with themselves again. It’s a wonderful privilege to witness this positive change.

PSG: What do you foresee as the main reasons for clients to look for coaching in 2016?

Patricia

What I’ve seen with the change in the economy this year is a rise of working mothers looking for coaching. They are expressing conflicting feelings because of clashing values between family priorities and career progression. They have outgrown their roles but are at scared of seeking promotion for fear of loosing family-friendly hours and for fear that promotion may put extra pressure on their family life.