on Fri, 12/12/2014 - 12:43 by Doug Riddle (not verified)
Nice reflection, Brian. It reminded me how easy it is to turn powerful experiences from one situation into dogma preserved by a self-anointed priesthood. Definitions of coaching that specify the "how" are always going to be limited by the reality that technique and method can be twisted for manipulative purposes. They are useful for teaching beginners and providing guidance, but really helpful definitions will always be framed in terms of the outcomes needed. What does it take for one person to create an environment that stimulates another to deeper and broader thought, to ownership of the initiative needed for change, and to self-driven action? That's what we are after and it will use the full continuum of human communications, always guided by a genuine concern for the other person(s) and a deep conviction of their capability for self-development. And its usefulness will always be measured by the value given to it by the person being coached.
We don't need a new religion
Nice reflection, Brian. It reminded me how easy it is to turn powerful experiences from one situation into dogma preserved by a self-anointed priesthood. Definitions of coaching that specify the "how" are always going to be limited by the reality that technique and method can be twisted for manipulative purposes. They are useful for teaching beginners and providing guidance, but really helpful definitions will always be framed in terms of the outcomes needed. What does it take for one person to create an environment that stimulates another to deeper and broader thought, to ownership of the initiative needed for change, and to self-driven action? That's what we are after and it will use the full continuum of human communications, always guided by a genuine concern for the other person(s) and a deep conviction of their capability for self-development. And its usefulness will always be measured by the value given to it by the person being coached.