ATD Blog
Coach’s Corner: Nina’s Journal
Wed Jun 19 2013
Content
When it comes to learning about my clients, I could not succeed as a coach without asking my clients to journal. In addition to weekly phone calls, I ask clients to journal online daily, with the assistance of journaling prompts. I respond to journal entries with a thought-provoking comment or a subsequent question, and this propels the client forward in the coaching process. The impact of journaling is significant.
When it comes to learning about my clients, I could not succeed as a coach without asking my clients to journal. In addition to weekly phone calls, I ask clients to journal online daily, with the assistance of journaling prompts. I respond to journal entries with a thought-provoking comment or a subsequent question, and this propels the client forward in the coaching process. The impact of journaling is significant.
Content
I invite you to sample this coaching method. Below, I have provided a client’s anonymous journal entry. Please read and play the role of the coach.
I invite you to sample this coaching method. Below, I have provided a client’s anonymous journal entry. Please read and play the role of the coach.
Content
“I am irritable, restless, and overwhelmed. It feels like I cannot reach my daily goals even though I am trying hard. At nighttime, when there’s finally peace and quiet, I can't fall asleep, nor can I be productive to work on something. I feel tension in my neck and shoulders, and sadness in my heart. I feel guilty for not keeping the promise to myself of accomplishing daily tasks. I have this expectation that I should finish everything that I think I should do.”
“I am irritable, restless, and overwhelmed. It feels like I cannot reach my daily goals even though I am trying hard. At nighttime, when there’s finally peace and quiet, I can't fall asleep, nor can I be productive to work on something. I feel tension in my neck and shoulders, and sadness in my heart. I feel guilty for not keeping the promise to myself of accomplishing daily tasks. I have this expectation that I should finish everything that I think I should do.”
Content
As this client’s coach, what would you focus on? Feel free to post your responses below in the comment section. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:
As this client’s coach, what would you focus on? Feel free to post your responses below in the comment section. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:
Content
_What is the overwhelming feeling that you notice in this journal?
_What is the overwhelming feeling that you notice in this journal?
Content
_
_
Content
What would you say to understand where all of this client’s tension is coming from?
What would you say to understand where all of this client’s tension is coming from?
Content
_
_
Content
How can you help this client achieve peace of mind?_
How can you help this client achieve peace of mind?_