What is coaching presence?
Being a great coach, consultant or facilitator requires you to be ‘in the moment’ most of the time and to be able to ‘read and hear’ what is going on that isn’t being said with your clients. Here, Dawn Bentley, explains what ‘coaching presence’ is and how it can be developed.
Being a great coach, consultant or facilitator requires you to be ‘in the moment’ most of the time and to be able to ‘read and hear’ what is going on that isn’t being said with your clients. It’s the ability to be connected to your clients and remain objective. You are not thinking of the next thing on your agenda or the technique you are about to use.
It can distinguish the ordinary from the masterful.
Only you know when you are fully present. Presence is an experience – you can’t intellectualise it – and then do it.
It is also a core competency with most coaching bodies and you can see the definitions for each coaching body by going to their websites.
Why is it important in the coaching process?
You can focus 100% on your client and their needs. For me, it’s the difference that makes a difference.
When you are 100% present:
- You learn to trust and use your intuition when asking questions so you don’t need models and frameworks to hang on to.
- Listening happens in a space of absolute possibility – allowing any problems to become the raw materials for their solutions.
- You ‘tune in’ at a deeper level getting to the core of the issue rather than the symptoms.
- You quickly build a stronger connection as trust and intimacy flourish and you navigate the unknown.
What is the benefit to the client?
When you do hit that ‘sweet spot’ of being fully present something magical happens and you are in a space of calm alertness. Nothing distracts you.
You are able to create an open, flexible and confident relationship. There is an incredible ease and flow to the conversation enabling you to go further faster in finding solutions and your client getting the results they seek.
How can coaches develop it?
As you become more experienced as a coach, consultant or facilitator you rely less on basic tools and models and more on your intuition in the moment. It’s this fine-tuning that makes ALL the difference.
Presence is a ‘felt’ experience and the only way to learn it is to do just that – experience it.
Being present requires stillness from within with a complete focus on your client. It’s not something that you can read about. It’s something that you have to practice, and practice, and fully embody.
Mindfulness and somatic practices can help greatly.
If you are interested in deepening your own coaching, consulting or facilitation presence, Dawn is running a one-day workshop on Thursday 15th October in London. For more details click here