How We Coach

Every coach has his or her own coaching style.  Here is a brief description of my approach:

I commiserate and agree with my clients.  I make my clients feel good, show them that I care, and help them to believe in themselves (because I do!).

I share what I’m sensing from my clients.  I intuit, point stuff out, and tell the truth if it needs to be looked at.

I ask the obvious questions.  I want facts, feelings, and preferences, and I want my clients to know these as well.

I step back, look for the whole picture, and discover how their situation or problem is perfect.  In other words, they have gotten themselves where they are for some reason.  I want to know that reason, because it provides the context I need to have a clear perspective.

I tell my clients what I think is going on.  I provide words for what I see going on.  I help them to label these things, so they can see the events, situation, or problem objectively.

I ask my clients what they need or want from me right then.  I want them to use me as they want to.  I need to know their needs and my role.

I present, and we discuss, several strategies or solutions-often unconventional.  I like to offer simple advice that fits perfectly and is tailored to their personality, priorities, and resources.  Sometimes my advice is counterintuitive, but it usually works.

I sense and share the next evolutionary step for my clients.  I listen for missing distinctions and for shifts that the client is ready to make.  I look for the next step of an Evolutionary Progression.

I ask my clients to do more than they would do on their own.  I like to stretch them when the timing is right.

Kip Marlow, CEG
President