In my last post I gave some background into the basic tools all Coaches use, this time I want to talk a little about Coaching Super Tools.
You may well wonder what is a Coaching Super Tool? Coaching Super Tools are Advanced approaches to Coaching. Let me expand, all good Coaches will tend to be committed to developing their own skill sets so they have more to offer their clients. This will involve extending their training to become skilled using specific approaches at a more advanced level.
I will mention a few examples today from my own journey, there are many other advanced tools so this is just a sample.
Very early in my career I became interested in understanding more about what makes people tick. This started with me taking a Degree in Psychology but I quickly realised this was not enough. I had a lot of theory but not a lot of practical applications I could use.
This lead me to exploring two major approaches, TA (Transactional Analysis) and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).
Transactional Analysis gave me some brilliant tools to help explore and understand behaviour plus some tools to help my clients (and myself) develop more self-awareness and make changes to unhelpful patterns of behaviour. I studied TA for around 6 years to deepen my knowledge.
This allowed me to find applications both within Coaching and when teaching Corporate workshops on anything from assertiveness through to strategic leadership programmes. This included a great models for understanding personality diversity, conflict, working styles, communication and resilience building.
In parallel I started to study NLP eventually becoming both a Trainer and a Master Trainer. This set of tools provided me with some great tools to help clients make significant personal changes often very quickly. Understanding the impact of language on our internal experience was one of the most powerful aspects of this tool and one I often share with clients. The use of visualisation methods really help with things like motivation and success focus. Other models are great for understanding other aspects of motivation and influence.
For me blending the use of TA and NLP allows for some really brilliant transformation for my clients.
The third major tool I added into my regular practice is Core Transformation. I use this gentle and powerful approach to help clients change major life patterns that have been holding them up. I studied this approach right the way through to the Accredited Coach level and then to Trainer level.
I wanted another approach to complement all of this so one major piece was to add in Positive Psychology. I studied for the first Masters Degree offered in Europe (back in 2006). The topics included Emotional Intelligence, Strengths, Resilience, Wisdom and so much more.
As a life-long learner I have also added in tools such as MBTI, IEMT, MBIT and Hypnotherapy.
It is worth remembering that the expertise of the Coach is in understanding human behaviour and a good Coach will be constantly “sharpening the saw” as Steve Covey would say.
A Coach does not need to be an expert in your business, so if you are an engineer or a scientist the Coach will not necessarily understand the technicalities of your world. What the Coach brings is an understanding of what makes people tick, this is their specialty. A Coach with Advanced tools will help you to deepen your self-awareness, make significant personal changes in unwanted patterns and help you interact with others more effectively.
When looking for a Coach look further than checking for a basic Certification. What other tools and approaches is the Coach trained in?
Next time I will explore the application of Coaching and how it works.
- Why all Managers need to know how to Coach? - April 12, 2024
- Have you assessed your stressors and your self-care practice? - April 10, 2024
- How does Coaching work? - April 2, 2024
