Describing business or executive coaching as a “contact sport” emphasises the dynamic, interactive, and engaging nature of the coaching process. Where it is essential that you are present and focused on your client, the flow of the coaching engagement and putting your ego aside.
Here’s how I elaborate on this metaphor:
- Interactive Engagement: In a contact sport, there is constant interaction between players. Similarly, in coaching, there’s ongoing dialogue and engagement between the coach and the client. It’s not a passive experience; both parties actively participate in the process.
- Physicality of Connection: In coaching, the connection is not physical, but there’s an energetic and emotional connection. The coach and the client connect on a deeper level to build trust and understanding. As the partnership you both bring an energy and vibration in how you show up for the interaction.
- Real-Time Adjustments: Just as athletes make real-time adjustments during a game, coaching involves adapting strategies in the moment. Coaches respond to the client’s needs, challenges, and progress, making the coaching process dynamic and responsive. Here the coach brings their experience and knowledge. With strong caution not to disempower your client by giving them the solution or even direction of travel, so to speak. As an empowering coach, by asking the right questions to orientate self-directed thinking and doing in your client, you foster autonomy.
- Goal-Oriented Collaboration: Teams work together toward a common goal. In coaching, there’s a shared objective between the coach and the client. The coach supports the client in achieving their goals through collaboration and teamwork.
- Challenge and Growth: We often challenge clients out of their comfort zones, encouraging growth and development, fostering personal and professional growth. Coaches should be asking questions that challenge thinking and perspective.
- Building Resilience: Resilience in the face of adversity. Continued commitment to the orientation of meeting the goal/objective. Coaching helps individuals build resilience by addressing setbacks, failures, and obstacles. The coach acts as a supportive figure, helping the client navigate challenges effectively.
- Trust and Authenticity: Successful contact sports teams operate on trust and authenticity among teammates. In coaching, the coach-client relationship is built on trust and authenticity. The coach creates a safe space for the client to be open, vulnerable, and authentic in their journey of self-discovery and improvement.
- Continuous Feedback: Like feedback in a contact sport, coaching involves continuous feedback loops. The coach provides constructive feedback, celebrates successes, and helps the client learn from mistakes, fostering a continuous improvement mindset. Orientating towards succeeding or learning. Helping to foster a growth mindset.
Coaching as a “contact sport,” highlights the dynamic, collaborative, and goal-oriented nature of the coaching relationship, emphasising the importance of genuine authentic connection and engagement in the flow of your coaching process.
Next Step: Explore your current coaching engagements and highlight how you are applying any of the above strategies to ensure an excellent experience. We would love to hear from you on how it’s going or even just to have a conversation to exchange ideas. Your feedback & connecting is valuable.
