powerful requests

A bold request can go beyond the thought process of the coachee... they haven't even thought about such an opportunity - rather than simply extending, going beyond an existing thought from the client.

Remember coaching is about creating an action; a result. Ultimately, the client takes ownership by accepting the challenge.

We can be creative without it being 'advice'

Story: A CEO had a desk full of paper. The coach asked him if he'd consider taking absolutely everything off his desk and cleaning it. Then was asked if he'd look at his clean desk for an hour. At this point he'd determine which paper he'd put back on desk. As a CEO it was his choice what he;d look at first.

Most of us live in a comfort zone. Making a powerful request you're moving from a comfort zone to an uncomfortable zone and subsequently a learning zone. At this point some panic and return to the comfort zone.

Module notes:

Clients want to expand their vision; take risks and achieve more. We can hold a space for a client to grow by making powerful requests and assigning them fieldwork that opens up possibilities. In other words we challenge them to be their best. Such requests can cause change, stir thought forward and cause action. Consequently, we can cause shifts and actions in our client.
Most powerful requests

It is not us asking that they do something for us. Instead, we want them to do something for themselves.

A request is like a contract
1. Accept
2. Say no, and give a reason
3. Negotiate

Bold Requests

Safe porting is preparing someone for something beforehand by putting it in context - by labeling it as a 'bold request' acknowledges that it may be a stretch.

Fieldwork

Usually comes out of the coaching itself - the best fieldwork can come from the clients themselves - just ask " what would be a good thing for you to do this week?"
During the coaching session, take notes and write down what the clients fieldwork is for the next week. If we don't follow up and ask about it they may simply let it go.
At times the fieldwork may not be done - don't look at it as a failure. Use it as learning tool - discover the barriers and commitments. There is a distinction between committed and interested. Fieldwork should be practical, achievable and measurable.

Challenging your clients

Fieldwork that gets them out of their comfort zone - ask for twice what they say they can achieve - give the challenge with a fun perspective - an element of a game. The client might not achieve it but still surpass their own 'bar'. The best thing we can do is raise the bar.

Reflection

Think of an issue in your life right now where you would like to take some action. What would you be a powerful request that you, as a coach, would make to yourself to move forward? What would be the minimum that you would accept of yourself? What would be the potential benefits of this request?

I'd like to take action in securing trial clients. A powerful request would be to contact 'x' number of ICA students and ask 'x' number of friends in the next week. Minimum no x 5 ICA and non- ICA students. The potential benefit is that I acquire my first experience in coaching.

What are the benefits when designing fieldwork as part of a coaching arrangement?

Accelerated growth and accountability; it becomes a partnership and the coachee can own it especially if they have determined the fieldwork.

What would stop a client from being willing to do fieldwork?

If it's not practical, achievable or measurable. It may not be in context. The client may not be committed to a particular goal - it may not align with his/her values. The client may not be 'coachable' not really wanting any change or is dysfunctional.

If a client continually fails to complete fieldwork, what are some of the possible things that might be going on?

There might be barriers holding them back or a lack of commitment. There is a difference between being committed and interested.

How can you as a coach balance the need to support your client with the need to challenge them?

Challenging a client can take them out of their comfort zone but it can be balanced by a sense of fun, game and adventure.