creating action 1

The client needs a process of discovery before implementing an action plan

Supporting steps

Focus on values – first step

Enhance strengths

Most underestimate their strengths. Therefore, we need to construct a strengths inventory. Use a brainstorm if necessary.

Do not focus on ‘weaknesses’ – use ‘distractions’, ‘barriers’, ‘roadblock;, ‘obstacles’ – words that sound manageable.

People will remember 4 negative events to every 1 positive event. Therefore, there is a need to counterbalance.

Goals are built on strengths

Often what supports a client is what they take out of their lives not what they add. Consequently, we need to remove roadblocks before they create a problem.

* Gathering resources to support the action
* Support in creating a list
* Goal setting and many sub goals

Prevention of slipping into old patterns

Steps backwards gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the client, to encourage

Common pattern: Quickly change / achieve initial goals then have a set-back.

May be entrenched behavioural roadblock. Therefore encouragement is needed.

Creating an action plan

Client has a roadmap and is able to track their progress and visually see the benefit of the coaching process.

Positive affirmations

In the world we are inundated with negative comments. Strategy: Have the client write down affirmations and place somewhere visual.

Focussing on solutions

Once you know hat works do more of it
When you discover something that doesn’t work do something different.

Build on past success

It can provide a shift in perspective. Client can tap into the success.

Tool: Create a Success Time line and pull the strengths from these successes

Create a list of encouraging role models

Identify who the client’s role models are and why. If they can do it so can we.
If there is no existing role model then challenge the client to find one.

Enlist the help of a support team

And also decrease the time they spend with non-supporting people. Put boundaries in place.

Reflections

A change in perspective doesn’t necessarily mean a move into action

Self insight / introspection is very important before we can take action. Do not rush into action for action’s sake.

What is the interference / obstacle between where the person is now and where they want to be.

Judgement of by others is the biggest cause of procrastination and therefore unravelling this judgement will be initially more important than defining goals.

“What others think of you is none of your business”

Judgement is ‘made up’ in our minds and can be an illusion. Our ego is all about ‘me’. Our ego does not want to be judged and always wants something in return. Therefore, we need to take our eyes off ourself and make ‘others’ the focus of our action. This is a key Christian principle.

Ask the client how they would feel if they didn’t achieve their goal.

Another strategy is to research your fear. The more you understand and dismantle your fear the more you’ll be able to rationalise it.

Knowing who we are and taking no action is fruitless but first we must know who we are! Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Process

“Faith without works is dead” but first we must knowwho we are (in Christ)!


SELF ----------------------------------------------------------------SELFLESS
-----------Identify applicable fears, rationalise and dismantle
-----------Identify judgement, rationalise and lose our ego

Introspection ------------------------------Focus action on others
Discovery of who we are -------------------Overcome Fears


Reflect on your own experience: How have you felt when others have encouraged you to take action when you doubted your strength or ability in a specific area?

I have felt energised, increased confidence and begin to build a new perspective of what is possible.

What are your top 10 strengths? How do these support you in your development of your coaching practice?

Strength & How my strength supports my practice
‘Down to earth’ - Coachee feels at ease
Open / vulnerable -Will not refrain from necessary feedback. Moreover, I’m modelling desired coachee behaviour.
Extroverted -Will be able to give feedback
Synthesiser -I can combine elements of separate material or abstract entities into a single or unified entity. Consequently, the coachee can break through the clutter.
Organised and plan ahead - Brings structure to sessions
Empathiser - Helps me connect with the client’s perspective
Business experience - Supports my business niche - relate to business people; helps me in establishing ‘my business’
Educational experience -Supports specific areas such as listening skills; client centred activities; customising my response to the needs of the individual
Belief in Christ -Supports my spiritual niche
Middle aged male - Supports my male ‘rediscovery’ niche

Think of one goal that you will have for the next month. What structures do you need to put in place to enable you to achieve your goal?

Design my promo and welcome pack. Structures: Goal is detailed in business ‘action plan’; I partner with a graphic designer; improve my own photoshop skills!

Make a list of 5 people that you most admire and describe why you like them. What are the attributes that you want to make your own?

Person admired Why I like them attributes I can make my own
Jesus - He is love! Loving people
My wife - She challenges me but maintains respect Respect people
Paul Scanlon -He has integrity Integrity
Louie Giglio - Speaks from the heart; vulnerability
Brian Houston - A great leader; confidence; risk taker

Who is on your support team? Is it big enough? Are there others you need to engage with more to support you in achieving your goals?

My wife, lawyer, accountant and marketing partners

I need to engage with my ex-colleagues in media and network with colleagues in coaching and counselling and other applicable professions.