Coaching Toolbox

two women walking while talking in a park

Step Outside: Walking and Talking Coaching

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Confucius The advantages of heading outdoors and being immersed in nature, combined with physical movement, is increasingly attracting attention…

Read More
two women talking and one has relaxed but interested body language in her nonverbal communication

Managing Mmmm: 3 Ways to Increase Your Nonverbal Awareness

“I don’t really know you, so I’m not sure you intend this interpretation, but why do you say ‘mmmm’ when your client answers a question? You sound very negative,” offered…

Read More
three people meeting at an executive table

Multi-stakeholder Contracting in Executive Coaching

Whereas previously a coaching assignment may have involved two key parties (coach and coachee), increasingly, it is evident that there are more than just these two people who have an…

Read More
introspective woman standing with arms folded across her body

The Inner Work of Leadership Coaches

Leadership starts within. As leaders, we naturally and inevitably bring ourselves into our work. The same is true with leadership coaches: In order to serve and support leaders, coaches need…

Read More
two people meeting in a business common area

Meet Me Where I Am

Several years ago, I hired a coach to support my developmental journey and learn from his coaching style. Early on, out of the blue, he asked about my spiritual practice.…

Read More
the art of listening, two men meeting across a desk with one talking and one listening in an office, kashinov

The Art of Listening for Coaches

There are many resources on public speaking, and there are practical tips on how to become a better speaker. But, how do you become a better listener, and why do…

Read More
hand on a car gear shifter

Shifting through the Seven Gears of a Coaching Conversation

As a professional coach, imagine that you are the chauffeur of every coaching conversation. Your client tells you their desired destination, and with your questions and observations, you drive them…

Read More
man holding papers and smiling at listening woman across from him

Whatever You Do, Always Establish the Agenda

Early in my coaching career, I was fortunate to make—and get caught making—a major mistake. While listening to a recorded coaching session, my supervisor asked, “What was the agenda for…

Read More
man thinking while sitting at table with an open notebook and hand on chin

Using a Coaching Approach for Effective Decision-making

People make decisions every day from the trivial to the critical, such as changing careers, launching a business or making a large purchase. But how good are our decisions? According…

Read More
upset woman ruminating during coaching session

Ending the Rumination Game for Our Clients

We’ve all experienced the client who can’t let go of an event. It’s the CEO who wishes she hadn’t screwed up the pitch. Or, the team leader who can’t believe…

Read More