What was that like?

2007 Mountain Masochist 50 Mile Trail Run

Shift happens as well as the stuff without the f.  Some experiences are easy to move on from, and others need to be slowly processed.

Great stuff and not so great stuff happens to all humanity.  A coach can help during and after experiences to ask: "What was that like?” 

A confidential coaching relationship gives a client the opportunity to savor a moment and to process that moment whether positive or negative.  A coaching relationship allows the client to set the agenda.  If letting an experience marinate a little before moving on is what is needed, then that is what should happen.

When the way forward is unclear, uncertain or seems unattainable, a coaching relationship allows time and space to ensure the path forward is exactly what the client wants to do.

Running long distances some of which are after dark, and miles away from civilization, it is not advantageous to always keep moving.  Pausing before pressing ahead is very valuable to ensure the path forward is really what a client wants to do.  I once missed a trail marker and led about five others for a few miles before literally running into other runners coming from the opposite direction.  How much more valuable would a pause to ponder the path forward than to just have kept going.  Taking time to notice what is happening can lead to discovery, confidence and real forward motion.  Taking time to pause would have saved the five who were following my lead from wasting time, energy and momentum. 

It is also possible to get too far ahead of your team.  In the time before and during an event and also debriefing after an event may bring discovery.  A pause can allow the team to reconnect and bring acceleration to positive forward motion.

So… “What was that like?"