FriendlyBrain Tip 295: One-inch Punch Coaching Challenge
The One-inch Punch Coaching Challenge - can YOU do it?
So.Welcome to the Kaizen coaching dojo!
For today's class: are you ready to build your coaching muscle? Would you like to move from good coach to masterful coach? And willing to surrender yourself to the ways of Kaizen? Gooood. Then advance!
(Please ensure you have thoroughly warmed up before this exercise - Kaizen accepts no responsibility for strained thought muscles - brain muscles should be taut, yet not over-taut)
Some of you may be familiar with an approach to coaching that we sometimes use at Kaizen, when appropriate, to create the biggest gain in the shortest amount of time. We call it 'Clint Eastwood Coaching' because it involves using words, let's say, sparingly.while still creating value, meaning and action for the recipient.
Recently, in a language mastery programme I experienced a really fun variation of the 'Clint Eastwood.' I'm hoping that sharing it will be of value to you - let me know, won't you?
Instructions are simple. After the coachee (hereby referred to as the 'Explorer') states a limitation or challenge, both people have a systematically decreasing number of words to interact, starting with seven words each. That's it. The only extra rules are that the coach's first response must place the 'problem' in the past tense and that you cannot use more OR fewer words at any time.
You'll notice that to meet the word number requirement, the exercise forces both people to search internally in a variety of ways to organize, reflect on and concentrate before responding. EVERY WORD COUNTS! It's terrific fun, a great stretch for any coach and it really forces you to 'up your game.' (You can use whatever non-verbal communication you like, by the way) Below is my example with a partner that I thought I'd share with you.
Coach: State a limitation.
Explorer (7 words): I don't like formal meetings at work.
Coach (7 words - put challenge / limitation in past tense): How was that FOR you until now?
Explorer (6 words): (Long pause) That was frustrating until right now.
Coach (6 words): What is it that was missing?
Explorer (5 words): (Laughing) A sense of playful confidence.
Coach (5 words): (Laughing & 'Anchoring' the state with a touch) Like now? Double that feeling?
Explorer (4 words): I really feel it!
Coach (4 words): What possibilities opening up?
Explorer (3 words): Warmth, Laughter, Creativity.
Coach (3 words): How connects purpose?
Explorer (2 words): With magic.
Coach (2 words): What now?
Explorer (1 word): Enjoy!
Coach (1 word): Wonderful!
That's it.Ready.Steady.Enjoy the Process!
This week's call to action:
Take a small step, enjoy the learning (7 words!)